[C320-list] [EXTERNAL] Re: Larger fuel tank and hello

[Steve Weinstein]

 Mike,I don't mean to be a contrarian, but are you sure your tank needs to be replaced?  Main question - is it leaking?  If it's still sound, you may want to simply have a company come in and "polish" the fuel in the tank and at the same time, clean the slug or buildup in the tank.  And if the fuel lines are old, you might want to refresh them with new hose.  Unless there is some compelling reason to replace the tank, like a leak or other damage, my choice is usually "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."  You'll find there are enough other projects on a 25 to 30 year old boat to keep you plenty busy.
You mentioned this is your first boat.  Are you an experienced sailor?  If you are really new to both boat ownership and sailing, take some time to get experience before you take on major projects on the boat.  Hopefully, you had a survey on the boat before you bought it.  If so, based on what the surveyor pointed out to you, prioritize those things that are absolutely necessary for safety to get the boat going and start sailing.  The more you sail the boat the more you'll identify what's important to fix/upgrade, and what can wait for a while to take care of.  Remember, "BOAT" stands for "Break out another thousand."  Getting sailing experience and learning your boat will get you a lot further than taking on projects that are not or may not be really a necessity.
Just my $0.02.  By the way, as far as I know, we're not related, even thought I have a cousin Mike and a sister Wendy, neither of which are you guys.  LOL
Steve Weinstein,2000 C320 #722, "Vega"Tequesta, Florida

    On Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at 09:05:57 AM EST, Michael Weinstein via C320-list <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:  
 
 Thank you! I was aware that the frame needed reconfiguring, but that is the part of the job I haven't been able to visualize.  Nor do I have much of a clue of how to remove glassed in wood - but, hey, learning opportunity.

Your email makes me realize I should really get the old tank out and look around before pulling the trigger either way.


________________________________
From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> on behalf of Dennis Cookson via C320-list <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com>
Sent: Wednesday, February 21, 2024 4:53 AM
To: C320-List at catalina320.com <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Cc: Dennis Cookson <dennis at cooksons.net>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: [C320-list] Larger fuel tank and hello

Hi Mike & Wendy, welcome to C320 ownership. There is indeed plenty to learn but you will find the owner community to be very knowledgeable and helpful.

I am also in process of replacing the fuel tank on a 1999 320 and looked at Jeff Hare’s larger tank design as one option. I have already removed my old tank and was a little surprised to find how tight a fit it is even at its standard size. If you go with the larger design, be aware that you will need to remove and remodel the glassed-in wooden tray in which the old tank is located. That’s a job I didn’t fancy so decided to stay with the original dimensions. Another point to note - if you have a Webasto heater or similar mounted on the stern transom as I do, that is another hazard to negotiate when removing/installing the tank. I had to remove some hoses to get it through. I know that Jeff spent considerable time modelling and proving his design, so I don’t doubt that it is a feasible route to take, just be aware that it will be a little more involved.

The company name you need is Ezell Industries Inc (https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fezellindustriesinc.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cmichael.weinstein%40lcps.org%7C45cef60be8764aeb9a9208dc32c320ee%7C86750b0cee12463db28880f7b2b34689%7C0%7C0%7C638441060900374146%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=x8eeHQimFGsiRx2rMEcuVsJNCxhhvLoMwFQiIjlaF4U%3D&reserved=0<https://ezellindustriesinc.com/>), and they likely still have his design in their records. If not, I have a copy somewhere - let me know if you need it.

Regards,
Dennis Cookson
‘Catalina’ 0577


> On 21 Feb 2024, at 01:05, Michael Weinstein via C320-list <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>
> New here - I hope I am doing this right.
>
> I recently purchased #354 as my first ever boat.  There is so much to learn and I am overwhelmed in the best possible ways.
> Unfortunately, I think I need to replace the fuel tank. I would like to buy the larger tank designed by Jeff Hare through Ezzell and I do not know how to directly message.  If Jeff or someone who knows how to go about it could point me in the right direction, I would be very grateful.
>
> Mike and Wendy Weinstein
> S/V Zelda
> Hull 354
> Herrington Harbour North, MD
>