Fuel Tanks . .

[whiteout]

I just got off the phone with Grady White. They are truly one of the best..!! Very helpful and knowledgeable about an old product of theirs... a 1983 GW 19' outboard. They gave me the manufacturer(s) in FL to have a new tank fabricated for my boat.

My question is, has anybody used a pre-made synthetic tank like a Mueller or Todd as a replacement in this boat..?? Good idea or not..?? Advantages..??

I'm suspecting that without the 'custom' fit, the first thing one loses is some capacity.

Thanks for any ideas... and again, how nice to deal with Grady White..!!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Fuel Tanks . .

many have used them, there are many sizes shaped, and contours. you just have to compare what they have and your situation.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Fuel Tanks . .

I guess it depends on what problem your trying to solve. Is it ease of replacement or to save a couple of bucks?

RDS makes a couple of "stock" tanks which may work depending on what size Grady put in that hull. If that's the case it would be a drop in replacement for what you have now.

Plastic tanks require a lot more support than the aluminum tanks so you would have to rebuild the cradle for the fuel tank which would be a lot of work in itself. You may also have to contend with rerouting hoses and such depending on the configuration of the plastic tank.

Personally I would go with the path of least resistance and order a new aluminum tank from RDS or have one made locally.

http://www.rdsaluminum.com/marine-stock-below.html

 

[whiteout]

Re: Fuel Tanks . .

Thanks for the replies..!! RDS is a supplier to GW for their boats and can fabricate an exact copy of the tank I'm replacing. On recommendation from GW, I'll probably ask that it be an inch narrower, and an inch shorter to ease installation.

I am looking for the path of least resistance and overall economy, without gettting crazy about it. If someone were to have found a pre-made tank that fit fine, cost 1/2, needed no alteration, etc... I'd consider it. Chances are, I'll just pull the old tank, get one from RDS, install it, and be done with it. One thing I didn't know, that plastic tanks need more support... That pushes me away from that alternative. (Thanks..!!)

The last tank I was involved with was on a GW tri-hull from the 60s-70s, and we had to cut the floor out, re-install/glass-in stringers, have the tank fabricated, and re-glass most of the floor. I'm expecting this time to not do so much work...

THANKS to all for their advice... I'll call RDS pronto.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Fuel Tanks . .

I went through the same exercise with a 1987 Grady Overnighter I had. Thought I had a leak in the tank. The tank still had the RDS tag on it.

In the end, it turned out there was nothing wrong with the tank. The fill hose was bad and premeating flumes into the bilge. I changed out all the hoses and the problem was solved

 

[whiteout]

Re: Fuel Tanks . .

Thanks for posting your experience... I decided to wait until I opened up the boat and got a good look at the tank and connections before ordering a replacement.

GW suggested that I have the replacement made an inch smaller in width and length to ease installation.

AND... as you indicate, maybe the tank is 'fine'... (???) What made me think the tank was shot, was that there was gas in the bilge... after cleaning everything thoroughly, and storing the boat on blocks, there was still new gas (gas/oil) in the bilge. The tank was only 1/3 full, so I didn't think it could be the hoses/vent/etc... and then someone said "Oh, at that age the tank is certainly shot."

Seemed reasonable.... but, I'll have a good look before I order a new one. Although, if there is any doubt, I'll replace it once I get everything unbuttoned.

Thanks again..! ! ! ! !

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Fuel Tanks . .

the is the best step.