J/30 Class Association Forums J/30 Forum The Boat, Sails and Equipment Fuel tank replacement

Hi guys, I need to swap out my Florida Marine fuel Tank built in 1979. Any good leads on replacements? thanks Dan, #409

I found Luther’s welding via market place and am waiting for a quote now. It’s always something on a boat. Dan #409

Does anyone have any experience replacing a fuel tank? Thanks Dan #409

Atlantic Coastal Welding (Speedytanks) links to the following:
http://www.marinesurvey.com/yacht/fueltank.htm
which should be a good start. Sunshine Marine, Boyd Welding, CL Mattson, Best Fabricators, Ezell Industries and RDS websites might have some good information as well.

There is a previous thread on this forum about cutting the tabbing part way up and through-bolting new L-brackets in, but of course, the existing L's that you cut off could be glassed back in.

GL,

-Chris

Thanks for the info. I’m planning to cut the tabs off with a multi tool, grind and remove paint and Re glass with fiberglass board as L brackets and back stop. I’m not sure if the tank will be able to slide back enough so it will rotate out. That’s my worry. I’m having a tank being built by Luther’s welding in Bristol, RI. Dan #409

Has anyone removed and replaced a fuel tank? Im curious if the tank will rotate out the openings above the tank. Based on the inboard bulkhead, I'm thinking the tank was installed prior to the seat supports (inboard bulkhead) being glassed in. thanks Dan #409

Well the new tank is installed. I had to cut out the forward U support as well aft backing plate. I was able to slide the tank aft and slowly rotate it out. There was about 1/2 in clearance between the corner of the tank and the bulkhead. I ground down the last of the tabs and cut out some supports out of G10 from McMaster Carr. I put in the new tank and glassed in the new supports. I metered in the fuel to calibrate the direct reading gauge.