76 MA fuel tank replacement

[dljohn69]

A month or so ago when i filled the tank with fuel I got gas in the bilge. All of the hosing for the tank is new and intact no leaks so I pulled the tank to inspect. The following pics show what I found, someone had foamed the tank in place and there was alot of trapped water.






In the fuel tank well I could find no drain holes just an overflow at the top stern end. Should I cut a couple of holes and seal the edges to allow any water that gets in access to the bilge? any info appreciated, Danny J

[Canes]

I am in the process of redoing my 20'sf. My tank was foamed in also, and when I scrapped the foam off. I found it was pitted all over. I suggest you buy a new tank don't try to fix the old one. Ken

[FELLOW-SHIP]

You need a new tank don’t try to save this one it’s a gonner. Gas and bilges = BOOM.



FellowShip

_______________________________________________

My motto: Just for the Grins

[eggsuckindog]

I would certainly make sure each corner had a drain, even the front, never know how the water will settle.

[Bigshrimpin]

Call around to MCL and some of the other boat recycler places . . . You should be able to find a good deal on another tank . . w/o spending $600 for a new one. There were two very nice used tanks (about 60/70 gallons) at out here in CA at rancho marine recycling. The looked to be the same dimensions as the tanks in the MA . . .

[dljohn69]

Sorry guys, I did'nt include that I purchased a new tank. I followed Fellowship's advice from another thread and attached white plastic lattice material using 5200 to the underside.




I think that this should last a very long time. I was wondering why there are no drain holes in the tank well? Tanks have sure gotten expensive, $12/$13 per gallon?

[FELLOW-SHIP]

What a difference from the old to the new. When I did my tank job I drilled a 1” scupper type hole at the back of the tank Deck to let all water run out the area and into the bilge area.

FellowShip

_______________________________________________

My motto: Just for the Grins

[dljohn69]

Thanks for the replies, I think that I will bore a hole in each corner as well as the front and seal the edges with resin.

[Michael Vezzosi]

Oh man, just what I needed to see. Having difficulties with my 79 MA fuel cell as well. Ran her Monday with a 6 gallon portable tank and whatever made it through the fuel/water seperator has made it to the carbs. A week earlier 30 gallons fresh gas over 15 gallons from last year. Ran perfectly until we made the ocean and really ran her for a few minutes. Coming back I couldn't keep up with Part I, or get over 48 revs.. Planned to use a remote fuel pump, run through Racor into temporary portable tanks until I got down to two or three gallons then place hose in fill, to recirculate until tank was "clean". There should be 40 or so gallons in the 72 gallon tank.

Last summer of minimal use I thought I may have noticed heavier than usual fumes coming up through the rigging hole inside the console. My question is do I have an original tank because the 90* fuel fill seems taller than would have been factory. In other words, there is a six inch square piece of fiberglass with non-skid, but no core or glass below. The fuel hatch is my only soft spot in the boat and has to be recored, but this 6" spot is supported by this larger than factory fill. It is located between the original captains chairs, and gives access to the fill and sending unit. Without pictures, does this sound like the original fuel cell? Thanks. Mike.

BTW, that new tank looks sweet. A little pricier than the new Garmin 540s I was hoping to purchase this year.

I know I could never replace this boat but I feel like this baby is just not getting the fishing time she deserves. 1999 Johnson 175 (60* block) with 130 hours. I just don't get offshore enough and the Whalers are a no brainer.

[65Bowrider]

Danny,
So glad you replaced that tank BEFORE the Anclote gathering! I enjoyed the ride in your boat to the island, real nice boat, and now you've won the trim tabs...how perfect!