Hey everyone. Does anyone have any info or experience with replacing a fuel tank on a 1977 55 Commander? Tanks are located between aft cabin bulkhead and transom. Any assistance is greatly appreciated.
My tanks are under the rear beds, My starboard tank failed which is under the single bed so access was better, My tank dimensions were roughly 72"x30"24 so taking it out would be a challenge no matter what direction I took. They are only 175 gal each and I assume yours are bigger. Given my main cabin door wiidth of 21" and the suite door of 18" I had two tanks made at 15" and joined them with a large stainless union at the bottom of the tanks. I cleaned the old tank, cut it up into movable pieces. Needless to say it was a miserable job but similar to a new roof on a house it does make you feel good. Possibly a different configuration would help.
While they were out I removed the hoses connecting the fiberglass exhaust tubes with silicone tube that were rotting at the bottom from the water that laid in them. Hopefully the port tank is in better shape and stays together.
I asked where you lived because Kerhig Manufacturing in Chesterfield, MI made mine and they do outstanding worlk.
I seem to remember some forum posts in the past that discussed replacing 55" tanks. At least some pictures of the rear bulkhead removed to gain access to the tanks. Not fun, but better than through the side of the hull.
Not sure how to access historical posts on this new platform. Perhaps Char can help you out with that.
Thank you for the assistance and time to reply. Its going to be quite a task, possibly needing to cut the old tank in pieces to remove. I had not thought of making 2 smaller tanks and joining them, great idea!!!
Replacing tanks is often a task that involves considerable dismantling of the interior. Like others have said, you can install 2 tanks in place of one joined by fuel lines and valves.
My preference would be to replace as one big tank just like the old one even if it means a lot more demo of your boat's interior. Think of it as a great opportunity to not only renovate your interior, but to gain access to anything in that area that is normally very hard to access that need maintenance.
While doing this project do yourself and other future owners or repair techs a favor when reinstalling your interior, make mods to improve access to anything that needs service. These upgrades may be something as simple as adding access hatches in bulkeds, cabinets, walls, or floors. If possible, improve access to the fittings on your new tanks too. Something as seemingly simple as tightening a fitting can turn into a nightmare when there is no access.
Wayne, I have replaced one on my 47 and would be willing to help you out. Where are you located?
Are the tanks on your 47 in the same location as the 55? If so, can they be removed without cutting out the side of the boat?
My tanks are under the rear beds, My starboard tank failed which is under the single bed so access was better, My tank dimensions were roughly 72"x30"24 so taking it out would be a challenge no matter what direction I took. They are only 175 gal each and I assume yours are bigger. Given my main cabin door wiidth of 21" and the suite door of 18" I had two tanks made at 15" and joined them with a large stainless union at the bottom of the tanks. I cleaned the old tank, cut it up into movable pieces. Needless to say it was a miserable job but similar to a new roof on a house it does make you feel good. Possibly a different configuration would help.
While they were out I removed the hoses connecting the fiberglass exhaust tubes with silicone tube that were rotting at the bottom from the water that laid in them. Hopefully the port tank is in better shape and stays together.
I asked where you lived because Kerhig Manufacturing in Chesterfield, MI made mine and they do outstanding worlk.
https://kehrigmetalfab.com/
Wayne,
I seem to remember some forum posts in the past that discussed replacing 55" tanks. At least some pictures of the rear bulkhead removed to gain access to the tanks. Not fun, but better than through the side of the hull.
Not sure how to access historical posts on this new platform. Perhaps Char can help you out with that.
Thank you for the assistance and time to reply. Its going to be quite a task, possibly needing to cut the old tank in pieces to remove. I had not thought of making 2 smaller tanks and joining them, great idea!!!
If fuel tanks are gas I think coast guard regs prohibit connecting the tanks at the sides or bottom. Joe
Some 47s were gas but no 55s. I couldn't access the history and find the 55 that was mentioned but I think I recall the posting(s).
Replacing tanks is often a task that involves considerable dismantling of the interior. Like others have said, you can install 2 tanks in place of one joined by fuel lines and valves.
My preference would be to replace as one big tank just like the old one even if it means a lot more demo of your boat's interior. Think of it as a great opportunity to not only renovate your interior, but to gain access to anything in that area that is normally very hard to access that need maintenance.
While doing this project do yourself and other future owners or repair techs a favor when reinstalling your interior, make mods to improve access to anything that needs service. These upgrades may be something as simple as adding access hatches in bulkeds, cabinets, walls, or floors. If possible, improve access to the fittings on your new tanks too. Something as seemingly simple as tightening a fitting can turn into a nightmare when there is no access.