Pulling fuel tank

airedog · **Joined:** 09 Nov 2011 07:22 **Posts:** 73

Pilgrim is a 1981 (#347) and I'm readying her for extended cruising. There isn't a problem with the fuel tank but instead of paying a scrubber to clean it I'm pulling it to clean it myself. I'll put clean stone inside with a gallon or two of acetone and shake vigorously. That will break all the gunk free and clean the tank, probably better than a professional scrubber.

To remove the tank the top must be cut where it is faired to the hull. Scary thing is the hull is just below the cut so be careful. I've found the lip I left after cutting won't allow the tank to come out, I'll have to be cut close just behind the aft cabinet of the nav station. From about 2 inches to about 15 inches it needs to be cut close to allow the tank's corner to raise enough to come out. The tank has to slide aft far enough to get the fill elbow out from under the cabinet. I had to elevate the aft end to dunk the filler down enough to clear.

Once raised it looks really close for removing the tank over the nav table. That's todays project, getting it out....I'll let you know. Pics to come...

Velera · **Joined:** 29 Dec 2006 09:38 **Posts:** 656

You could ask the folks at S&S. Olin told me that some of the furniture was tabbed to stiffen the hull. Considering you seem to be a full on dude, I would recommend retabbing it. I would also put a clean out in the top of the tank and an access panel under the berth.

Ray
Velera #373

Timshel · **Joined:** 29 Dec 2010 10:24 **Posts:** 193

Attachment:

IMG_0590.JPG [ 1.63 MB | Viewed 0 times ]

I got mine loose then worked a strap around it,then,via a block on the boom,to a winch. Managed to get it into the cockpit by myself but it was tricky. Got $15 from the scrapyard ! Good time to put in a good fuel level sender. Bruce.

Tortuga's Lie · **Joined:** 27 Oct 2006 10:32 **Posts:** 827

Airethore,
You're lucky that you tank is aluminum, the older models (mine included) used black steel and I had to replace mine due to pin hole leaks at the low end of the tank. To cut the tank out, I used a trim router with an off-set base and a straight bit. This allowed me to get within 3/4" of the hull and have a very limited depth of cut so no chance of cutting into the hull. I did re-tab the joint to keep the structural integrity intact.

airedog · **Joined:** 09 Nov 2011 07:22 **Posts:** 73

Thanks for input...gotta say you are all great. There is no comparable site for Hinckley B40 owners. And I really missed it while working on that boat.

So when you re-tabbed the top back in place, I'm guessing you removed the bulkhead wood to apply the glass?

Tartan37.com

Pulling fuel tank

Who is online