Minor setback

[JasonJ]

So I went out to get the Beast ready for a fish-fest tomorrow and was treated to the overpowering scent of gasoline when I pulled the cover off. The floor around the permanent tank was wet with gas, and the bottom of the tank itself was wet. It is a 12 gallon steel tank that is held in place by straps under the upper deck next to the splashwell on the port side. It is old, and has rusted through at the seams on the bottom (I knew I should have replaced it in the first place-I never fully trusted it). Thankfully it was full, I would have hated for it to be easy. I drained it and ordered a polythylene 19 gallon tank that will fit in its place. It'll give me more range, so I guess its not the end of the world. I have a 6 gallon Merc portable that I can use until the new tank arrives. I always carry the portable anyway, to increase range and to have backup. I didn't feel like spending the money, but you can imagine the alternative if a spark had lit that thing off.

 

[bubbakat]

Re: Minor setback

Sure am glad you caught it.<br /><br />That would have written another chapter in after burner effects.<br /><br />I had to do the same thing to mine jason. I caught it during the winter though.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Minor setback

I'd a liked to see you put that Humpty Dumpty back together again if you hadn't caught it.

 

[Bass Runner]

Re: Minor setback

Sorry to hear about the tank jason, but I see you are a little like me, try to save a buck and end up putting out 10, that little dude called Murphy follows me around too.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Minor setback

Yeah, I try to be frugal, but I also knew there would be the day that the tank would finally leak. Its not a big deal. I went out today with my 6 gallon portable and a 5 gallon jug, and only used five gallons. I cruised for 20 minutes to the fishin' area, trolled for about 4 hours, and cruised back. The 19 gallon tank will definately give more range. The rig gets decent fuel economy as long as I keep it at around 3500 @ 22 mph. Above that and the middle east has to prep more barrels of crude oil it sucks the gas so bad.

 

[wyoben]

Re: Minor setback

I feel better about replacing my perfectly good 25 year old aluminum tank with new plastic one before I glued my floor down. Have not put fuel in it yet, hope it dosn't leak

 

[E. E.]

Re: Minor setback

Jason, I'm glad to hear that you found the leak before the worst could have happened. What is best to use on a new installation, poly or metal? I plan to install an in floor tank in mine. I'll be checking the salvage yards for a good used one. If that doesn't work, I check into having one made to fit.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Minor setback

I ordered a Moeller polythylene tank. They come in different shapes and sizes, with sending units and all that. I paid $127 with shipping for a 19 gallon tank to fit where the original 12 gallon was. The poly tanks last forever, steel rusts, and aluminum can have condensation issues.