F32 Fuel tanks

[Mac32]

Ok, the stringer replacement on my 1976 Trojan F32 was going good until the greek gods of land lubbered boats decided to throw another one at me. While in the bilge working on fitting new stringers (forward of the engine room) I started to get happy on gas fumes, more and more every day. So after searching a little I found the Starboard front tank is leaking down in front, or at least I think it is leaking there.

Now here is the story, and tell me what you guys would do.
The front fuel tanks are aluminum and have a mfg date of 1989 on them, that matches the last claimed date of engine rebuilds. I also have rear tanks that have a manufacturer date of 1993 that matches with the date of the rear deck rebuild. The boat is in a spot backed into a wall that makes it completly impossible to get the engines out to replace the tanks plus with the stringer overhaul so close to the boating season I dont want to bit off too much and miss the season since I waited 4 years for a spot in the marina of my choice this year.

I am thinking of running the boat this season on just the aft tanks which are bigger any way then doing a engine rebuild next winter. But I have concern with how the boat will handle? Will I even be able to get it to plane with only the rear tanks full. I dont know because I always emptied the Aft tanks first to keep her bow heavy.

Also is there a long shot chance to repair them while in the boat? I did not think aluminum would go bad in 16 years?

I am really understanding the term "in for a penny - in for a pound"

Thanks
Fred

[Old Salt]

Mac 32
I can only answer your question about your gas tanks. I own a F26 hardtop and last spring i had to replace my main gas tanks that developed a leak. In my investigation into aluminum tanks i discovered some alarming facts. One was that a large number were installed wrong. An aluminum tank has to be able to dry, if it has any bands around it that can hold moisture or if the tank rest directly on wood traping moisture, this will cause corosion to the tank and cause a leak. I sugest that you check your tanks good. I witnessed one boat that exploaded because of a gas leak and it was not a prety sight. Below is one web sight where you can get info on gas tank instalation

http://www.yachtsurvey.com/fueltank.htm

I hope that you get all the problems worked out and that murphey's law passes you by. Happy boating.

[jav]

Fred,

your boat should have no problem getting on plane with empty front tanks- some F-32's never had front tanks (mine doesn't). The question is do you have enough range for how you want to use the boats with the limited fuel capacity AND if the leak is significant enough, I would be worried about escaping fuel vapors in the engine room - even with empty tanks.

As far as repairing in place- there are some epoxy fuel tank repair compounds that can be used. (I would do that even if you don't use the tanks just to contain the vapors). There are some concerns however. The most significant in my book is if the leak is an isolated trouble spot in an otherwise sound tank OR, are there other spots in the tank(s) that are not leaking now, but may start under a larger fuel load or in rough sea's. I suppose if you can inpsect the leak and see a clear external cause or that it's an isolated occurance, I would feel more comfortable attempting a repair. If there is no clear cause or if it lookes like pitting that began from the inside, the repair route would not be recommended. If you have access to a good (explosion safe) lighted boroscope, you could try to inspect the inside of the empty tank through the sending unit opening but as always, dealing with fuel vapors in the open is risky- let alone down inside the bilge of a boat.

[zbigk]

Fread,

I have freinds that removed the forward tanks & installed 99 gal rear tanks & their bots run just fine.

[tham57]

Took out water and holding tanks from stern. Made 98 Gallon Square Aluminum tanks for under cockpit.
Took out front tanks, replaced with two 70 gallon water tanks. No Probs at all with weight distribution or handiling.

(Actually easier to control in a following because I can voluntarily empty forward water tanks if I need to.)

[Mac32]

Thats a good idea with moving the water tanks forward. Does it really help the squirley following sea problem?

This is my only real complaint with boat handling on my f32 is when waves hit at somewhat of a angle to the transom and cause the boat to dig and track abruptly.

Also who built your tanks for you? Apparently mine were built for florida marine and seemed to start leaking after 13 years (not sure if this is normal)

fred

[tham57]

It's not a huge difference but I have found that with no tabs and the ass end heavy it is a little better. I have not done one of those sideways out of control surfing maneuvers since I did it. (That and I have learned to avoid that situation by altering course to keep waves off the rear quarters.

SP Sheet Metal in New jersey did my tanks.

[rossjo]

Yes - Surfing the F32 in a heavy flollowing seas is a b*t*h - not a fond memory. Need pumps to move fuel from front to rear when you head down sea.

Good luck on your tank - theres no easy shortcut thats safe. Be careful!

[Paul]

In my F-26, tabs up and heavy in the ass end helps eliminate the "squirly" handling in a following sea. A little more throttle also helps.

As for the fuel tanks, be sure that your next aluminum tanks are epoxy coated before they are installed. This will prevent corrosion from water getting trapped between the tank and it's cradle or tie down straps. Mine is coated with "Interprotect" by Interlux. Most tank manufacturers will coat tanks before they ship them.

Paul
Cruise Control

[rossjo]

Go dtip onhaving them coated!

Has anyone had their tank coated onthe OUTside as well?