Fuel Tank Removal

[dcrahn]

I have a 1984 Carver 2687 Monterey that I have been restoring. Does anyone know if it's possible to remove the fuel tank thru the deck hatch without cutting into the deck? It doesn't leak as far as I know, but it is 33 years old aluminum tank and I really don't want to take the chance of it starting to leak after I get my project finished.

[bud37]

Can't comment on how the tank comes out,sorry....but I will say you are quite right in going thru this now, with an old tank you never know , the end result will be better and safe with peace of mind, that is important...it really is amazing how much rotten stuff is under all these different tanks after the years......good luck with your project.

[dcrahn]

Source of the post Can't comment on how the tank comes out,sorry....but I will say you are quite right in going thru this now, with an old tank you never know , the end result will be better and safe with peace of mind, that is important...it really is amazing how much rotten stuff is under all these different tanks after the years......good luck with your project.

My thoughts exactly. From the outside it appears okay, but tanks do accumulate condensation on the inside and they can corrode from the inside out. After 33 years, who knows, and not something I'm willing to risk!

What I have considered doing is dropping in some dry ice and cut it out in pieces with a sawsall. I've used the dry ice trick many times on car tanks when adding a sump for Drag racing. Then instead of installing one big 100gal tank, install 2 50gal tanks that are interconnected and that I know will fit thru the engine hatch.

[bud37]

The problem with a boat,is that it is essentially a large open tank,now fuel fumes being heavier than air will head down and sit there, there may even be some regeneration in the sludge at the bottom of the tank....I hear ya about the co2 though....we used nitrogen and tested for explosives at a small vent.......Actually cutting the hatches or deck is not that big a deal, easy repair.....good luck and be careful.