Fuel Tank sub floor replacement

[EagleOCNJ]

I pulled my fuel tank - w/ you guys' help of course. The wood under the tank is rotted, the glass was still strong. But I cut it all out now have another few day, $$$ job. What is crazy to me that the plywood was not protected on the bottom - whats up with that.

Anyway I need some direction on this from type of wood, type of resin, alternative ideas to reinstall, etc. I cant find this in a search but I know its on here somewhere.

Can I get resin and cloth at Home Depot? Im in Southern NJ.

John

[bigeasy1]

NO' don't buy resin or cloth from places like Home Depot.Even if they have it,it would be overpriced and a poor quality.
I've been using Merton fiberglass for years,on lots of my boats.
He sells to several guys on this site.He carries everything you need, cloths,polyester and epoxy resins,fastners,paint,fillers,etc etc.He ships everywhere.
His website is www.mertons.com

I'm sure other guys can also reccomend some suppliers.Good luck with the project,i'm doing the same.

[PipeDreamsMarine]

Home Depot.... call here John... Mahogany Co of Mays Landing, the number is 609-625-8108. I wouldn't go back with the plywood, build an egg crate support set up for the tank. It will keep the contact points smaller ,so you have less change of moisture getting to the tank.

[Jaizzen]

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I used Divincel(sp?). Not sure how some of the others on this site felt about it due to the fact that it wasn't the orignal set up. It worked out well, and allowes for less of the tank to set in a pool of salt water.

Best of luck, Jason

[Bigshrimpin]

Jason - you've got much better ventilation with that setup over the old one. I like it.

[EagleOCNJ]

Jason
I like the looks of that but then doesnt bilge water slosh up and hit the bottom of the tank constantly? My wood was ROTTEN to the max. It was a shame to rip out the glasss work since it was still perfect; actually very strong but I couldnt justify putting my new 1k tank on the rot so I set my self back yet another friggen week.

You guys should see my 29 year old fuel fill hose - EWWWW! It is wire inserted and rotten through for the whole 5 foot length of it. It was a b$tch to get out.

[Jaizzen]

Lesser of two evils. The old way didn't appear to stop the saltwater. It actually caused the tank to corrode from the bottom. In fact, the only place the orignal tank had corrision was where it sat on the rotten piece of wood and glass.

I also installed a portal in the cabin that runs under my custom fishbox so I can hose it out.

Best of luck.

[PipeDreamsMarine]

John.. the problem isn't the water splashing on it, its the water getting between the wood and the tank that causes the tank to fail. The other question is why are you holding so much water?

[BigLew]

I was reading an article by David Pascoe, the marine surveyer, about how to install an aluminum fuel tank. He has the whole thing on his website, along with many other articles which consistently appear well written and well thought out.
With regad to aluminum tanks, he recommends that strips of frenolic or other plastic type products be bonded to the under side of the fuel tank using 5200 and a completely full layer of it to prevent moisture from becoming entrapped in contact with the aluminum and simply setting them on supports. He said that the weight of the fuel and the physical limits of motion will prevent any moisture from being trapped in contact with the aluminum and some space is good to allow the circulation of air so that any moisture that does contact the aluminum evaporates.
Just passing it on. Check the article out.

http://www.yachtsurvey.com/fueltank.htm

[EagleOCNJ]

I read it and it sounds good. Did you guys get out of it that I can use strips of 1/4 inch starboard glued w/ 5200 to the bottom of the tank?

Oh and I guess he doesnt recommend coating the tank in any way. I always hear mixed feelings on this.