Hauling

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

Hauled this morning, thought a picture may interest you, its a steep hill so a 4wd tractor pulls the lift up the hill. As you can imagine its a 'fingers crossed' time. I dropped the centerboard out while in the slings, the pivot fell apart when it came out !! Presently syphoning out the fuel so I can remove the tank,the inside is nasty so,I plan to cut off the rear third of the tank,clean it up and weld on a new end. 35ish gallons is more than enough,especially as I have to keep it full to ward off condensation,I havent used 15 galls in a year. [its a steel tank] Another busy off season ahead of me, Bruce.

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

Looks to me like a huge "pucker factor" with that small tractor pulling 16,000 pounds up an incline!!!

If I were you, I would SERIOUSLY consider buying a new tank, especially if you've gone through all of the hard work getting the old one out. I believe my aluminum one cost around $400 shipped from Florida?? Anyone have a current price? If you repair your old tank, you may be faced with having to reapir/replace it again in the not-too-distant future due to the steel being 35 years old already and maybe in a state of rusting from the inside. Plus, if you ever re-sell the boat, people will want that 50 gallons. My two cents.

Ardea · **Joined:** 19 Mar 2007 16:40 **Posts:** 195

+1 for preplacing the tank. If the tank fails and puts 20 gallons of fuel in the bilge when you're not looking the bilge pump will put that fuel in the water. Then the Feds will be alot more than $400 unhappy with you. A new tank seems like cheap insurance to me. I replaced mine a couple years ago and $400 seems to be about what I remember paying for a new tank from Florida Marine Tanks also.

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lawrenceloyd · **Joined:** 30 Jul 2007 13:40 **Posts:** 13

Just wondering...How come no one uses a "thick" rotomolded plastic tank instead of aluminum replacements? Seems like it would be a "forever" replacement. I guess if I had to replace my aluminum tank I would not have to worry about it in my lifetime!

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

Hi Neighbor!

Lawrence,
From a brief scan of the net, it looks like Monel tanks would be the best, followed by Aluminum, black steel, stainless then poly.
Poly comes up last for a few reasons mainly the limitations of internal baffles, inspection ports, expansion, and fire resistance (lack of).

Here's an interesting read on tanks:
http://www.passagemaker.com/magazine/ar ... nt&print=1

Tom

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

Wow, not a fun job getting the tank out,probably easier to remove the engine !! I think I will take the forums advice and call Florida Marine Tanks for a aluminium one! I assisted myself with the mainsheet winch,a few scratches but its not going back. Regards Bruce.

Court · **Joined:** 21 Oct 2008 18:33 **Posts:** 22

A new fuel tank from Florida Marine Tanks, now in Henderson, NC was $1,079 plus shipping in November 2013.

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

Are you sure that is a steel tank? I did not think that Tartan used steel in any of the T37s. Personally, I would have it repaired and put inspection ports in the top if I was to take mine out. Mine has not leaked and I have been able to keep it relatively clean by siphoning at the low point on an annual basis to get the water and crud out over my last 23 years of ownership.
One thing I learned is that replacing the O ring on the fill occasionally is a good idea. I have not had water in my tank in years. I do fill it for each winter storage.
FWIW

Ray
Velera

Mike · **Joined:** 09 Jul 2008 12:51 **Posts:** 251

I'm trying a new gadget called H2Out. It installs on your tank vent line to absorb humidity from the outside. When the pellets turn pink it says to remove it, wash the beads, let them dry and reinsert them back in the container; ready to go again. If it works it will be well worth the money.

The promise is no water in tank and we all know if you get water you risk a build up of crud and possible rust.

H2OUT Company Website - http://www.h2out.com/

BY The Way.... for what it's worth.. my 1982 model 37C has the original sticker on the tank. It was made by Florida Tanks, aluminum and has a capacity of 53 gallons. Not sure what the rest of you have..

Tartan37.com

Hauling

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