[C320-list] Another fuel tank bites the dust

[Bruce Heyman]

Ross,
If a tank is properly installed it will not "rot" from the outside
regardless if it is in saltwater or fresh water.  The key on mounting an
aluminum tank is protecting it from chafe and insuring that moisture is not
allowed to remain in contact for long periods of time.

Unfortunately most aluminum tanks die from the inside out.  Any water in the
fuel will settle to the bottom of the tank where it will remain slowly doing
its damage.  You can avoid that by making sure you get the fuel from a
reliable source, using a water separator when you fill your tank or
frequently removing it and having it steam cleaned.  Also most people
recommend that you always keep the tank full so that condensation has less
surface area to form on the inside surfaces of the tank.

Boats seem to be able to work 24x7 365 to find new ways to lighten your
wallet.

Happy holidays,
Bruce

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Roland Ross
Sent: Tuesday, November 27, 2012 8:30 AM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Another fuel tank bites the dust

I'm reading all these emails about the fuel tank problems.  It is something
that I haven't ever thought of, nor heard of before.  Is this a bigger
problem in salt water.  My boat is 10 years old and has always been in fresh
water.

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Skip
Sent: Tuesday, November 27, 2012 7:40 AM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Another fuel tank bites the dust

I had the same problem, I bought the replacement tank from Catalina and you
do need to remove the shelf. Even after removing the shelf, it's a heck of a
job. Good luck.

Skip Cunningham
Lady Diane
Hull #80

Sent from my iPad

On Nov 26, 2012, at 5:33 PM, "Larry Frank" <WindSwept at stx.rr.com> wrote:

> WindSwept's fuel tank has developed a very slow leak which will only 
> get larger if not fixed.  I reviewed the past threads on this project 
> and have a couple of questions.  The first has to do with tank 
> removal.  Has anyone been successful getting the tank out without 
> removing the shelf that is over it?  Like someone else I have air
conditioning equipment on the shelf.
> 
> 
> 
> The second question has to do with the replacement.  It seems like 
> many replacements have come from Catalina.  Has anyone purchased one 
> recently, since Catalina quite building the 320?  Any luck with the tank
manufacturer?
> 
> 
> 
> Thanks to all those who have shared their experiences in the past.
> 
> 
> 
> Larry
> 
> WindSwept
> 
> C320 1995 #246
> 
> 
>