Gas tank removal (fiberglass floor)

[Ebola]

I have a 1998 starcraft 1810 GT with a leaking tank. I need to cut a hole out of the floor to replace it the tank. Does anyone have any experience or pics of a job they did on their boats that they would like to share?

 

[jonesg]

Re: Gas tank removal (fiberglass floor)

Set a skillsaw blade at an angle and start cutting, theres no other way to get it out. The reason for the angle is so it doesn't fall through the hole when placed back, start the cut just fwd of the engine bay.
Glass the hatch back in place when done.
Too bad they didn't mold a tank hatch in the deck.

If you decide to replumb the tank with new fill hose etc, it might make a lot more sense to cut all the way around the deck because getting that hose up the gunnel is a serious pain. After 10-15 yrs its a good idea to replumb hoses.
When I removed the hose from my tank a shipwright told me the hose was no longer good.

 

[BigBoatinOkie]

Re: Gas tank removal (fiberglass floor)

The only alternative to cutting it out would be to take the cap off. Looks like that deck and cap is all one piece.

 

[Ebola]

Re: Gas tank removal (fiberglass floor)

Yes, the deck and cap are one piece. Given the suggestions. I plan to cut a square about 3 inches in front of the engine and about 3 inches behind the floor storage door. The floor storage door is made out of ABS plastic. I will probably do something like that to use as a fuel tank hatch instead of reusing the square that I cut out. I'll take pics. Tanks for the responses. Pun intended

 

[clockwatcher]

Re: Gas tank removal (fiberglass floor)

It's good thing you caught it. I had a leak too, plus a rotten floor et all. Turned out to be a cut vent hose. Let us know what you find.

One thing I may add before you start cutting. Make sure the square you cut is large enough to lift the tank out. Mine had very little wiggle room and basically had to come straight up.

 

[Ebola]

Re: Gas tank removal (fiberglass floor)

Thanks for the tip clockwatcher. I don't plan on using the piece that I cut out, so I can make it bigger if I under cut the first time.