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

[Bob Borelli]

Well, you have to look at the tank.
The forward lower corner is where I located a leak in the aluminum tank on a C320 I surveyed.
The surveyor did not locate the leak, I crawled back there & discovered the leak due to the persistent diesel fuel odor.
It is a difficult space to access but once inside there is room to move around.
Due to an A/C unit on a shelf above my fuel tank on the stbd side,
I slide down thru the port hatch or thru the wood louvered vent on the port bulkhead in the aft stateroom.
I can get to the fuel tank for a visual exam.  Due to boats age & emails on this list, I anticipate a future fuel tank change.
Also back there, as I was discovering the details of my boat, I located the fuel shut off valve, which I can reach from the stbd hatch.

Bob Borelli  1995 C320 no. 209 on the hard at Duffy Creek Marina till spring.

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From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> on behalf of Michael Weinstein via C320-list <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com>
Sent: Wednesday, February 21, 2024 3:52 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Cc: Michael Weinstein <Michael.Weinstein at lcps.org>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] [EXTERNAL] Re: [EXTERNAL] Re: Larger fuel tank and hello

Steve, thank you for your thoughtful and certainly wise response.  We are brand new to all of it.  Although, I enjoy tinkering with stuff, I am in no hurry to spend time back there.  The boat surveyed well with only a few needed corrections.  Included among them was a minor leak in the fuel return hose.  It was fixed by the PO pre-sale.  The boat smelled of diesel when purchased, but I assumed it was from diesel in the bilge from the noted leak.

I have cleaned the bilge and flushed from the fuel tank forward with simple green multiple times.  It is much better, but there are still traces of diesel showing up with each flush and the boat still stinks (but way less).  I finally read how to detach the 90 degree elbow coming off of the aft water tank, so I should be able to get back there for better cleaning this week.  Hopefully, that does the trick.  Given the persistence of smell and diesel traces, though, I am concerned there is a small leak from the tank.


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From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> on behalf of Steve Weinstein via C320-list <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com>
Sent: Wednesday, February 21, 2024 1:43 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Cc: Steve Weinstein <srw_jags at yahoo.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: [C320-list] [EXTERNAL] Re: Larger fuel tank and hello

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.


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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://ezellindustriesinc.com/<https://ezellindustriesinc.com/<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
>