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Leaking Stbd.Inboard Fuel Tank

Discussion in 'Chris Craft Connies, Commanders & Catalinas' started by OldGeek66, Jun 28, 2024.

  1. OldGeek66, Jun 28, 2024
    #1
    OldGeek66

    OldGeek66 New Member

    Joined:
    May 26, 2013
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    Location:
    SW FL
    Ahoy!

    1989 CC Catalina 480. She has a dripping fuel leak with the tank 1/3 full. Once emptied, there are no drips. This points to a leak, probably from corrosion on the outboard side of the tank.

    I’m look for insight as to removing and repairing/replacing this tank.

    Thank you.
  2. Capt Ralph, Jun 28, 2024
    #2
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    I am assuming diesel & 3208s.
    Your leakier outside of the stb engine.

    There is no easy or cost reduced way to replace it.
    There are very few ways to repair it. None of which I would recommend.

    So, questions of life;
    Is it your boat,,, or your shopping and found this boat?
    Is she a dock queen or is really used and you need fuel capacity?
    Is there a REAL boat service yard near you?
    High hours on the engines, due for a rebuild?
    Are you rich and famous or have a couple of real tall credit cards?
  3. OldGeek66, Jun 28, 2024
    #3
    OldGeek66

    OldGeek66 New Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
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    Cap’t. Ralph

    1. This is our boat which we have enjoyed for 12 years of a 10 year plan.
    2. Though we haven’t used her as much lately, the leak was found by the surveyor as he inspected her for new owners.
    3. We are in Merritt Island. Yes, there are several service yards nearby.
    4. About 2500 hours on the 3208TAs.
    5. No, no, and no.

    A. Must the starboard engine be removed?
    B. Can the top of the engine be “stripped” of coolant tank, intercooler, etc and the tank “angled” out into the salon.

    Thank you for your help.
  4. Capt Ralph, Jun 28, 2024
    #4
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Always stick to the plan.
    You now have 36 year old fuel tanks built by the lowest bidder.

    I wish there was a way to sugar coat this but not tonight.

    Without crawling down there my self with a measuring tape, At this time, NO.

    If you want to re-install the same sized one-piece tank, Stb engine stripped including turbo, exhaust manifolds and clutch, long block hoisted to port over the other engine.
    All furniture removed, the saloon deck has to come up beyond the access hatch covers.
    Possibly the engine room air box dissembled.
    Your electric panel and other services will still be in the way.
    Then you hope it fits out and back in, the saloon door or window.

    These are the times I wonder if cutting the hull sides open would be less ($$) painful.

    I do not think you will find a welder in his rite mind to repair the tank on board.
  5. Capt Ralph, Jun 28, 2024
    #5
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Next thought;
    Talk this idea over with YOUR Surveyor....
    Cut the old tank out, install smaller tanks, in parallel. This means bottom cocks , hose nipples, hose interconnecting the tanks top and bottom. This includes mounting tabs on all tank bottoms and tops bolting the tanks ridgy together.
    I have heard of some Carvers getting fixed this way.
    Mind you, this is not my idea, I do not like this idea, but it is an idea in play on other boats.
    Make sure you discuss this with YOUR surveyor.
    Last edited: Jun 28, 2024
  6. Capt Ralph, Jun 28, 2024
    #6
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Next thought;
    Did the purchaser walk or counter offer?
  7. OldGeek66, Jun 29, 2024
    #7
    OldGeek66

    OldGeek66 New Member

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    Cap’t. Ralph,

    Thank you for your continuing interest. It can get lonely out here.

    1. The purchaser walked. Though he did say he liked the boat.
    2. I recognize this is a Major undertaking. I am gathering information and help before I even decide to what to do.
    3. I have involved a professional to look at possible solutions, and will be looking for others. Satsuma is close enough to Merritt Island that you could see for yourself?
    4. I am in contact with Sure Cure Tech. the folks who support Chris Craft and Uniflite vessels with parts and original data. With engineering drawings in hand a better informed decision mat emerge.
    5. I have seen and videoed the leak. It was a drip/second that ended when the fuel was transferred. So it seems likely the leak is on the outboard side of the tank.

    Thank you again.
  8. 993RSR, Jun 30, 2024
    #8
    993RSR

    993RSR Senior Member

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    Check with Triton Liners. They cut the tank open and weld in new plating as necessary. East coast. Aluminum tank I assume, correct?
  9. Capt Ralph, Jun 30, 2024
    #9
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Weld in or glue in. Their web site does not explain this.
    I luv the idea that somebody out there is doing this.
    I look forward to learning more.
    Anybody on YF used these kids before?
    https://www.tritonliners.com/

    They are in Jupiter, Close by.

    Heck yes, OldGeek66, call these kids.

    Thx 993RSR
  10. 993RSR, Jun 30, 2024
    #10
    993RSR

    993RSR Senior Member

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    upload_2024-6-30_13-49-46.jpeg

    This is a 42 Sabre, 2013 they did that is now for sale in Del Ray.
    We have used a company out of south NJ that does the same process. They came in and cut the tops out of a 49 Eastbay and 47 Sabre center bilge tanks. Welded in new bottoms, reassemble and pressure test. The early Eastbays had aluminum small tanks forward and fiberglass main tank. I have never used Triton.
    Too bad they cannot use this process on the early Princess hold tanks that were aluminum. Aluminum does not like sewage and all the associated chemicals.
  11. Capt Ralph, Jun 30, 2024
    #11
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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