The boat had a polyurethane tank inside the galley cabinet underneath the sink. The tank was strapped to the cabinet up on top and to the floor. Since I have the boat all torn apart, I'd like to make the best use of this area and relocate the fresh water tank.
My plan is to build the tank into the side bilge, beneath the galley. I came across a DIY Boat Article, which shows how it's basically done. Instead of making the tank outside and slipping it into place, I'll build the tank right into the hull ( little different from article ) same concept.
I'll first cut a rectangle on the galley floor exposing the side bilge. This area is 1/2" wood covered with glass and poly. Next, sand all sides with 80 grit. Wet out all sides including the fresh virgin cut wood with epoxy. Lay blown mat. When this dries, a second coat of epoxy to ensure a seal. Fill it with water a gallon at a time to obtain capacity. Mark the water level and check water level the next day. Glass in epoxy sealed baffles as recommended on the DIY Boat article. Cut vent, fill, pump out, and inspection holes onto top piece cut earlier. Epoxy virgin cut wood. Attach fittings with 5200. Sand exterior surface of top cover. Figure out how to suspend the top over the opening to wet out, 2 layers blown mat for strength. Galley will sit on perimeter of tank.
I plan on a black water tank the same way.
Is their anything wrong with building it into the hull?
Anyone here done this before? Will the black water smell soak through the epoxy (not according to the article).
Any additional advise or suggestions would be great.
I will make it myself, so aluminum, steel, or pre-made tanks are out...
Thanks!!!
My plan is to build the tank into the side bilge, beneath the galley. I came across a DIY Boat Article, which shows how it's basically done. Instead of making the tank outside and slipping it into place, I'll build the tank right into the hull ( little different from article ) same concept.
I'll first cut a rectangle on the galley floor exposing the side bilge. This area is 1/2" wood covered with glass and poly. Next, sand all sides with 80 grit. Wet out all sides including the fresh virgin cut wood with epoxy. Lay blown mat. When this dries, a second coat of epoxy to ensure a seal. Fill it with water a gallon at a time to obtain capacity. Mark the water level and check water level the next day. Glass in epoxy sealed baffles as recommended on the DIY Boat article. Cut vent, fill, pump out, and inspection holes onto top piece cut earlier. Epoxy virgin cut wood. Attach fittings with 5200. Sand exterior surface of top cover. Figure out how to suspend the top over the opening to wet out, 2 layers blown mat for strength. Galley will sit on perimeter of tank.
I plan on a black water tank the same way.
Is their anything wrong with building it into the hull?
Anyone here done this before? Will the black water smell soak through the epoxy (not according to the article).
Any additional advise or suggestions would be great.
I will make it myself, so aluminum, steel, or pre-made tanks are out...
Thanks!!!
