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 Post subject: Starboard Tank Replacement
PostPosted: 27 Oct 2022 10:03 
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Skipper

Joined: 16 May 2009 08:06
Posts: 236
I have to get my starboard tank out to check for leaks and most likely replace. I have the pullout berth under the pilot berth. It looks like I may have caught the leak and drained the tank before any significant damage to the woodwork. The only thread I see on this shows Zach taking the tank out by removing the panel on the side. Has anyone taken the tank out through the top? It looks like a less destructive route.

Thanks

Chip
Esprit #324


 
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 Post subject: Re: Starboard Tank Replacement
PostPosted: 27 Oct 2022 16:50 
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Skipper

Joined: 13 Feb 2011 21:19
Posts: 337
Location: Canyon Lake, TX
I had rotten wood on both tank faces. So we removed all the wood to the deck. In my picture it appears that the tank was installed and then the berth was built around it. Notice the stringers that were screwed to a cleat on the upright panels. They are also screwed to a cleat under the berth.

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File comment: Starboard panel removed

demolish 045.JPG

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Wayne
Master and Commander of the Sailing Vessel Impetuous
I'm not a complete idiot, some parts are missing.
Subservient to no man except SWMBO
Any day without dock lines is a GOOD day!


 
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 Post subject: Re: Starboard Tank Replacement
PostPosted: 27 Oct 2022 20:36 
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Skipper

Joined: 14 Jul 2012 20:36
Posts: 495
Location: Norfolk, Va
Much like WayneH. I took the sliding top plywood off (very easy). Then the front two panels off, had to use a multi-tool with a carbide blade to cut screws. I moved or removed the braces running across, cut drain fitting, remove hoses and pulled tank towards the mast. Had a friend, had it out in a few hours. The tank goes back so far, I don't think it would come thru the top. When removing the pour-in-foam, use the scrapper blade on the multi-tool. Coat everything with epoxy to protect against water damage. The tank I took out is repairable, fittings cracked, but can be replaced. Tank looks good, free to any. In Norfolk Va.

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 Post subject: Re: Starboard Tank Replacement
PostPosted: 29 Oct 2022 14:49 
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Skipper

Joined: 25 Apr 2016 10:25
Posts: 185
I just removed the starboard tank this last week. I was able to remove the panel that is on the side of the tank by using a 2 ft long Philips screwdriver to remove the screws holding the cleat to the cabin sole. I didn't need to cut anything to get the tank out. Just disassembled via screws.


 
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 Post subject: Re: Starboard Tank Replacement
PostPosted: 31 Oct 2022 10:42 
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Skipper

Joined: 16 May 2009 08:06
Posts: 236
Thanks for that tip. I will take one with me the net time I go.


 
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 Post subject: Re: Starboard Tank Replacement
PostPosted: 03 Nov 2022 08:12 
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Skipper

Joined: 16 May 2009 08:06
Posts: 236
Maddening! I have the top off the bunk and the tank exposed. I figured I'd look for the crack / leak before I took the tank out. No sign of any damage anywhere. Looked both inside and out. So I decided to fill the tank, find the leak and then drain it prior to removal. Tank full, no sign of leaking anywhere! There was a steady rivulet of water coming from the angle in the lower bunk at the sole and running across to the mast step. I could see clearly the wet puddle just inside the plywood rise at the corner of the tank where the outlet fitting is located. Blotted with a paper towel and it remained wet. I checked the top of the tank for evidence of water (a day of hard sailing the day before) thinking that maybe water was leaking from the fill cap while we were healed over. Nothing. Everything on top was dry. Once I drained the tank, the rivulet went away and the spot in the corner dried up over the next day or so. I hate it when stuff like this happens!


 
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 Post subject: Re: Starboard Tank Replacement
PostPosted: 03 Nov 2022 08:37 
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Skipper

Joined: 16 May 2009 08:06
Posts: 236
So looking more carefully, I found what appears to be a crack in the top of the tank in the corner where the leak was apparent that runs through the Kracor label. It stands to reason that if I were healed hard on a starboard tack (which I was), the water would run out that crack and down to the corner of the tank without getting the top wet anywhere near the fill caps. This is not the "smoking gun" I was looking for, but it does provide a plausible explanation to what was going on. I guess the best way to test is to put a shop vac (reversed) to the fill cap and put some dish soap on the apparent crack and see if I get bubbles. I'll have to plug the tank vent first.


 
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 Post subject: Re: Starboard Tank Replacement
PostPosted: 03 Nov 2022 09:38 
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Skipper

Joined: 16 May 2009 08:06
Posts: 236
felizcortez wrote:
I just removed the starboard tank this last week. I was able to remove the panel that is on the side of the tank by using a 2 ft long Philips screwdriver to remove the screws holding the cleat to the cabin sole. I didn't need to cut anything to get the tank out. Just disassembled via screws.


What did you do about the vertical cleat at the aftmost end of the tank? I don't see any way to get at that one. Thanks


 
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 Post subject: Re: Starboard Tank Replacement
PostPosted: 03 Nov 2022 09:47 
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Skipper

Joined: 25 Apr 2016 10:25
Posts: 185
I was able to get those screws out using the same long screwdriver. It was slightly off angle but they still came out. I think the bottom screw was stripped so it just came out on its own after removing the top two screws.


 
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