1979 Master Angler Fuel Tank Replacement

[Vezo, Part II]

Well tank and all closed cell foam removed from gel coated coffin. Now I need a recommendation for a solvent to remove the dirt and remaining glue-like characteristics of residual (closed cell?) foam. Tried paint thinner and mineral spirits. WEAK. Hoping I don't have to resort to dishwashing gloves and On & Off Hull cleaner. Thanks in advance.

[daydreamer]

if it is glue or add adhesive, go to lowes and get krud kutter. 32 oz for 6.98 works like a charm!!!!!!

[Vezo, Part II]

Thank You! Not an acid base?

[jorgeinmiami]

What's the plan to tie down the tank on the install?

[Vezo, Part II]

I'm planning to have Sunshine build the tank and coal tar epoxy it for me. When the hold is clean I plan to epoxy six blocks of wood and anchor the tabs just the way the old one was secured. Thinking about wrapping the tank in that rubber commercial kitchen/bar floors that get power washed every night. Saw it on a SeaCraft build on The Hull Truth. Seems interesting.

[linesider36]

I was wondering did the tank have a fiberglass cover over it with just the sending unit and the gas lines exposed? I have and 86 MA that has a FG. skin over the tank and then the hatch. I'm wondering if it's holding water in "the coffin", but not crazy about drilling any holes...yet. Thank in advance.

[Vezo, Part II]

No Linesider, no FG skin, just the floor hatch. Oh wait. Now I think I understand your question. YES! POS skin! I'm going to take a pic and put it up for the site. Great Question! Standby.

[Vezo, Part II]

Now I'm pissed. That BS PATCH in the fuel hatch SUCKS! I was under the impression that the fuel cell I removed was NOT original, hence the removal of hatch coring, allowing more space for the fuel fill!!! Now I'm wondering if my 79 MA is not a Potter. If this design continued until 86, it is unacceptable! I understood that Sunshine Tanks, due to the close proximity to the plant, had built every tank that came from the factory. The fill neck was too high, but probably not before they sprayed the foam around and under the tank. Once expanded, this may have been the only option to reinstall the hatch. Now I have to be very careful ordering the replacement, and how I will insulate the tank in the coffin. Originally I was simply going to cut the hatch for an 8 inch Beckson inspection plate as a quick solution but if this was a design flaw, and original set up, I'm going to recore the entire hatch (and lose some weight). Thirty six years of water on the deck has probably penetrated and rotted more than 8 inches.

I'm trying to relocate fuel fill and vent to forward end of tank, just aft of the forward hatch under the consul. Sending unit, ground and pickup aft. Once aft, larger fuel hatch is recored I may not install any inspection plates. The hatch is easily removed by screws, and I plan to install a 100 pound piece of monofilament line in the trough continuously around the hatch. This way you can dig 5200 out of a corner, locate the line, pull and cut through the sealant. I'll get a pic up for you.

Also, one of the two drains in the aft corners of tank coffin was over 75% clogged by expandable foam. Not difficult to inspect, but if it ain't leaking...

[linesider36]

Did you have time to take those pics of the fuel tank before removal with the fiberglass skin ? I was also wondering if the coffin was holding water around the tank?

[Vezo, Part II]

I will take care of that today!