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

Wed Feb 21 19:02:43 PST 2024

I had a major issue of diesel smell, and Tortuga when we bought her. The PO had tried to use various scented blocks to mask the smell. After the first year, I could take no more and pull all the floor panels and pressure washed the inside of the boat. The boat was on the hard at the time, and the water rushed to the start of the boat. I used to shop back to pick up the water. To get rid of the diesel smell I bought some mechanics detergent at the local grocery store. It was a liquid which I deleted with water and sprayed over everything to dissolve the diesel smell. I even sprayed the engine down with the solution. After all was cleaned and sprayed down and rinsed the boat, then smelled like plastic. 

I later found out that the PO had left the fuel line on over the winter. The bowl of the water filter had water in it and froze and cracked and drained the tank. Pressure washing the inside of the boat may sound extreme, but it sure worked. It also got rid of a lot of the black mold that had built up under the floor panels.

Sent from my iPhone
Art Harden
Catalina 320 "Tortuga" E-62
937.885.9380 (o)
937.477.5544 (m)

> On Feb 21, 2024, at 9:22 PM, Wandering Star via C320-list <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
> 
> You are a gem.
> I have never used bioboar but also have never had any problems. I went to West Marine the other day to buy some and there are different kinds. Which type do you recommend?
> Sara
> Wandering Star
> 2000/#707
> 
> 
>> On Feb 21, 2024, at 5:38 PM, Jack Brennan via C320-list <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>> 
>> Just as an aside to this thread, It’s a really good idea to use Biobor or a similar product to keep water from creating problems in your diesel. This is the stuff jets use to keep from falling out of the sky due to stalled engines.
>> 
>> I use a capful for every five gallons and, over 15 years of diesel ownership, I’ve only had one outbreak of algae/bacteria. That was when I got distracted and stupidly forgot to replace the fuel cap right before a storm.
>> 
>> If you suspect there is water in your tank, do a big dose of Biobor and let it sit overnight. The gunk will have dissipated into a fine, dark powder that won’t clog the filter. But change the filter anyway, drain the diesel and replace with fresh fuel.
>> 
>> I have a Racor 500 filter in the stern locker near the tank. What I did before refilling the Racor  was disconnect the fuel line from the Racor and fit an electric fuel pump with hose, then pump the diesel from the tank through a Baja filter and into five-gallon fuel cans that I use for cruising.
>> 
>> I managed to pump the tank dry and got a little bit of water and some powder out with the Baja filter. Then I refilled the tank using the cans and the Baja filter. No more problems.
>> 
>> As long as you keep water out and stainless steel items away from the tank, it should last forever.
>> 
>> Jack Brennan
>> Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
>> Tierra Verde, Fl.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Sent from Mail<https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986> for Windows
>> 
>> ________________________________
>> From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> on behalf of Jeff Smith via C320-list <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com>
>> Sent: Wednesday, February 21, 2024 7:42:17 PM
>> To: C320-List at catalina320.com <C320-List at catalina320.com>
>> Cc: Jeff Smith <svsailmates512 at gmail.com>
>> Subject: Re: [C320-list] [EXTERNAL] Re: [EXTERNAL] Re: Larger fuel tank and hello
>> 
>> I replaced my tank and fuel lines last year. Regarding the inspection port,
>> if you get a tank with a baffle, I think you need a port on either side of
>> the baffle. One of them would not be reachable due to location. I decided
>> the original tank lasted almost 30 years, and it was “pretty clean.” I
>> won’t own the boat in another 30 years, so we went with the original Ezell
>> tank with a baffle no inspection port. By the way, Ezell charges $150 for
>> each inspection port.
>> We also considered Jeff Hare’s design but I did not want to do any glass
>> work either.
>> 
>> 
>> Prior to this, I installed an electric fuel pump. After removing all of the
>> fuel lines and the tank, all I had to do was turn on the electric fuel pump
>> and loosen the bolt into the injection pump. The electric pump purged all
>> the air. I left the pump on and the boat started and ran without issue.
>> 
>> Good luck,
>> Jeff
>> 
>>> On Wed, Feb 21, 2024 at 5:15 PM Mark Seyler via C320-list <
>>> c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>>> 
>>> I just changed my fuel tank out this year for the same reason - pinhole
>>> leak
>>> at the lower, forward corner of the tank.  Like Bob's leak, the diesel fuel
>>> ran underneath the water tank under the berth, and out into the bilge
>>> beneath the transmission.
>>> 
>>> I have a shelf directly above my fuel tank, on which my a/c compressor
>>> sits.
>>> So I couldn't use Jeff Hare's larger size tank.  But the original size
>>> replacement just barely slid in and out under the shelf.
>>> 
>>> Ezell let me choose whether I wanted a clean-out opening in the top of the
>>> tank, and whether to put a baffle in the tank.  Because of the shelf for my
>>> a/c compressor, I wouldn't have been able to access the clean-out, and
>>> opted
>>> to include a baffle.  But if you would be able to access a clean-out, that
>>> would probably be worth having and you wouldn't want a baffle.
>>> 
>>> I would also check the O-ring on your deck fill. Part of the reason that my
>>> tank corroded was water leaking into the tank from the deck fill. That's
>>> bad
>>> for a lot of reasons.
>>> 
>>> I opted to go with a new, keyless deck fill, and all-new hoses.  There was
>>> a
>>> fair amount of "boat yoga" involved in reaching the deck-fill and the vent
>>> line.  But I feel better knowing that I won't be getting into that system
>>> again any time soon.
>>> 
>>> Good luck with your project!
>>> 
>>> Mark Seyler
>>> S/V Reality,
>>> Catalina 320, #232
>>> New Orleans, LA
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> On Behalf Of Bob
>>> Borelli via C320-list
>>> Sent: Wednesday, February 21, 2024 3:20 PM
>>> To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
>>> Cc: Bob Borelli <cassattc22 at hotmail.com>
>>> Subject: Re: [C320-list] [EXTERNAL] Re: [EXTERNAL] Re: Larger fuel tank and
>>> hello
>>> 
>>> Why this was important,
>>> The diesel fuel was leaking slowly and running forward under the water tank
>>> into the bilge.
>>> Slow leak, a persistent trickle from the corner of the tank running along
>>> the bottom of the boat to the bilge.
>>> Bad odor.
>>> The PO & Broker kept cleaning up the fuel.
>>> The surveyor didn't climb down.  Luckily I did.
>>> 
>>> Bob Borelli
>>> ________________________________
>>> From: Bob Borelli <cassattc22 at hotmail.com>
>>> Sent: Wednesday, February 21, 2024 4:12 PM
>>> To: C320-List at Catalina320.com <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
>>> Subject: Re: [C320-list] [EXTERNAL] Re: [EXTERNAL] Re: Larger fuel tank and
>>> hello
>>> 
>>> 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.
>>> 
>>> ________________________________
>>> 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.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> ________________________________
>>> 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.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> ________________________________
>>> 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://eze
>>> llindustriesinc.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
>>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
> 