How to fix this?

[ForceFed79]

Hi everyone, Here is my problem. I bought this boat. The previous owner decided to install a larger gas tank, but in order to get it to fit he cut the area where the motor is mounted. Sorry I don't know what this area is called. If someone could let me know what it is called that would be great. Anyway, what would be the best way to fix this? If I make it match the original side then the gas tank won't fit, but I would really hate to leave it like that.

Should I cut the flooring out where the gas tank sits so it will sit lower in the boat? Then I could make it look original again? What do you guys think?

Here is some pics of what i'm talking about

Thanks guys

 

[oops!]

Re: How to fix this?

hi forcefed

welcome to i boats....bets place on the net for everything boats...

ok the thingy the motor hooks on is called the transom....and the area that is cut is called the splashwell.......

man... i cant beleive he did that.....

loose the over sized gas tank....and just put another one in the area under the splash well called the bilge.....

in order to repair that area... youll need to fiberglass it....dont panic...its easy.....cost you about 40 bucks and it will look the way its supposed to....

just read around this form (restoration) and youll see lots on fiberglassing

cheers
oops

 

[oops!]

Re: How to fix this?

oh btw...

dont glass it out doors when its cold....(saw the ice in the splash well)

either wait till its warm or do it in a heated garage.....

for someone that has never done any fiberglass...that repair is 5 hrs work max.....1.5 hrs if you have done even a little glassing

cheers
oops

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: How to fix this?

oops, it is an aluminum boat, either loose the big tank, or have someone (tin bender) make a cover for the area, seal with 3M 4200, and rivet in place.

 

[oops!]

Re: How to fix this?

did you say aluminum?

im so sorry.....its 6:40 in the am here and i still havent been to sleep..in fact i just got gack from workin on the boat a few hours ago.....everything looks like fiberglass to me right now

ill go stick my head in the toilet now

cheers
oops

 

[ForceFed79]

Re: How to fix this?

Tashasdaddy, you think I should just fix what he started??? It wouldn't be very hard, I work in a machine shop and that fix would be pretty easy. I just didn't know if that type of modification was ok in that area of the boat.

 

[redfury]

Re: How to fix this?

that area isn't really a load bearing area. There is transom support right under the middle of your engine cover there, that's the support in that area. The rest of that is just for keeping water out of the boat.

 

[oops!]

Re: How to fix this?

im awake now...

force...its your boat...

what kind of look do you want.....it wont hurt to have the can there...if its strapped down.....but in case of engine fire....i wouldnt...

but also that splash well is there for a purpose.....some times on rapid de acelleration or rougher water, a large wake can come over the transom area and into the splash well...with thoes cuts...it will fill the bilge in a hurry...no major problem if you have a pump....but that splash area is there for a reason....

...imho....i dont know if i would want a big ol can o gas riding up there....i personally like everything below decks..secure...

it sounds like you have the resources to do what you like....your wishes..and imagination are the only limits..

cheers
oops