Steve:
Appreciate the advice.....genuinely....however, I am the type of guy
that tries to get out in front of trouble/problems before they become
same....I am O.K. managing crisis.....I just like to avoid it in the
first place. My fuel tank is approaching 34 years, probably aluminum,
however, I do believe it will fail (probably a slow leak around the
welded joints where the tank sits on top of the wooden platform like
another C&C lister here today) . So if this is a possibility, why not
get out in front when you have the time to plan, shop around and get
exactly what you want for the price you are willing to pay, and avoid
the possibility of a fuel leak at the most inopportune time. My slip
neighbors would not like me pumping diesel fuel from my bilge, which is
a likely scenario when these things happen during the sailing season.
Yes, the boat is old, however, it is in great condition because I bought
it that way from the original owner in 2006 and I have maintained it
that way since. I fellow club member with a 1984 C&C 32 had his mixing
elbow crack mid season.....when the engine was on, it was spewing salt
water but more importantly, gases (e.g. CO) He lost a month sailing
until he got someone to replace it. The following Fall after haulout, I
replaced my mixing elbow, muffler, exhaust hoses....I did the work
myself and it was not an easy job......old boat but new parts that wear
out and therefore peace of mind. I put a new anchor light on the mast
top this Spring but I never anchor......why?....because it is there and
it should work should I decide to overnight anchor.
I understand a small leak won't stop me from boating/sailing, however, I
don't want to experience a small fuel leak and the smell of diesel in my
boat if I can avoid it. And I know my tank is clean.....I just changed
my primary and secondary fuel filters and they were very
clean.....hadn't been changed in 8 years.....that's how confident I am
in the fuel in the tank and the cleanliest of the tank.
My brother has a new 33' sailboat and it almost sank this Summer because
his new boat had a cracked retaining nut on the raw water
strainer......until it was replaced he had to close the thru hull or the
boat would fill up with water..... his automatic/electric bilge pump
worked fine until his battery(s) capacity expired. So even a new boat
can leave you short of peace of mind.
Bottom line....every year the old boat gets something done to it so I
can have a stress free sailing season.....the fuel tank's time has come
I think....that is my next project and when it is finished, I will feel
good.
Again, greatly appreciate all the input from the people
here....invaluable to me as a boat owner.
Rob Abbott
AZURA
C&C 32 - 84
Halifax, N.S.
On 2017-09-09 11:40 AM, Steve Thomas via CnC-List wrote:
The whole boat is old. If new is the criterion for peace of mind, then you need
a new boat. Not leaking and you are not departing on a world trip, then I
wouldn't worry about it. If a leak ever develops it is unlikely to start out
big and it won't stop you from getting home.
What can suddenly stop you is guk in the bottom of the tank getting sucked up
in rough weather. Water in the fuel can cause that in a relatively short time.
The hole for the fuel sender is big enough to take a look inside. Guk is a
bigger problem down south, and a lot of people install dual filter systems as a
precaution. One clogs, switch to the other. Also, a screen at the end of the
pick up tube is likely to clog if guk in the tank gets shook loose by rough
weather. It is not just a southern problem. It happened to a friend of mine who
was heading south from Chester NS. Had to get towed into Liverpool. Couldn't
sail it in the prevailing weather. Better to get rid of the screen and rely on
the primary filter. Your choice what to worry about and where to spend your
time and money. Same caveat on free advice applies.
Steve.
---- robert via CnC-List <[email protected]> wrote:
For $200, I would simply forget putting the old tank back in even after
a good inspection.....just the peace of mind is worth $200....plus my
labor which can be obtained for adequate amounts of beer.
Now, can I buy a new fuel tank locally or do I have to order from afar?
Rob Abbott
AZURA
C&C 32 - 84
Halifax, N.S.
On 2017-09-08 5:07 PM, Dennis C. via CnC-List wrote:
Keep in mind that pitting may be on the inside from water in the
fuel/condensation.
A new plastic tank is under $200.
Dennis C.
On Fri, Sep 8, 2017 at 3:00 PM, robert via CnC-List
<[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote:
That's what it looks like....aluminum, rounded corners, welded
ends.....I have yet to actually measure it but I am guessing it it
approx. 24" wide, maybe 20" deep and 18" height......I think it is
the original 20 gallon tank that sits on an open wooden frame
(ends on the wooden ledge(s) ) with most of the bottom
exposed....the bottom that is exposed looks fine but it is what I
can not see that I would like to inspect.....it's the welded ends
on the bottom where the tank fits on the wooden frame that is my
concern.
The boat was in fresh water for its first 21 years.....well
maintained....since I have owned it, the fuel tank is in a salt
water environment but the tank has not been subjected to salt
water on it.
Empty it, remove it, clean it, inspect it.....then make a decision
about replacing it. I may have just decided on a plan.
Will keep you informed.
Rob Abbott
AZURA
C&C 32 - 84
Halifax, N.S.
On 2017-09-08 4:08 PM, Steve Thomas via CnC-List wrote:
The standard tanks are aluminum, rounded corners, welded ends.
It it looks like that, then that is what it is. Otherwise
there was such a thing as special customer orders. I looked at
at 35 once that had a cylindrical monel tank. Don't know it it
was original or not, but it appeared to have been there for a
while.
Up to you, but I would remove it, clean it really good, and
inspect it very carefully before making a decision to replace
it. If salt water has been kept away the condition might
surprise you.
Advice is worth exactly what you pay for it.
Steve Thomas
C&C27 MKIII
Port Stanley, ON
C&C36
Merritt Island, FL
---- robert via CnC-List <[email protected]
<mailto:[email protected]>> wrote:
I am assuming the fuel tank on my 1984 is original......it is
metal.....not sure what the metal is. Anyone know for sure
what the
fuel tank was made from?
Given its age, I am considering removing it later in the Fall and
inspecting it and possibly replacing it.
Should I decide to replace it, what are my best options? Where
would I
obtain a new fuel tank (20 gallons)?
Any and all input greatly appreciated.
Rob Abbott
AZURA
C&C 32 - 84
Halifax, N.S.
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_______________________________________________
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If you wish to make a contribution to offset our costs, please go
to: https://www.paypal.me/stumurray <https://www.paypal.me/stumurray>
All Contributions are greatly appreciated!
_______________________________________________
This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you wish to
make a contribution to offset our costs, please go to:
https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
All Contributions are greatly appreciated!
_______________________________________________
This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you wish to
make a contribution to offset our costs, please go to:
https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
All Contributions are greatly appreciated!
_______________________________________________
This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you wish to
make a contribution to offset our costs, please go to:
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All Contributions are greatly appreciated!
