Moving fuel tank

[Hawkeye54]

Greg, post #45, third picture - the 'L' bracket has 3 fender washers - on the rightmost one it appears as if the edge of the washer could wear against the tank as it 'works' underway.
Am I seeing it correctly, and does it perhaps need to be ground down for clearance ?


Rick

[GregH]

Rick

Just a trick of the angle, it has as much clearance as the others on the same block.

After I saw the pic I had to go double check for myself!

[GregH]

One thing I forgot to account for is new tank swelling. The one corner block will, I assume, have to be installed in slightly new spot after tank gets its first filling. I don't want to install until tank has expanded.

Anyone gave an idea how much theirs have swelled (literature says expect 3%) ? And how long it took to settle in?

[sastanley]

Greg, that all looks great. I do wonder about corrosion of the metal parts of the straps. No real basis, just a wonder..maybe we can slather it with petro jelly or some anti sieze or something. On the other hand, maybe you want it to sieze up so it never gives way!

[lat 64]

Looking good.
I would make the screws that hold the strap brackets through bolts with those nice big washers you have on the other side. Half-inch wood screws in old wet plywood can pull out in a big bump. Design for extra bad things to happen.

Winter projects going on here too. Be happy in your work,
Russ

[GregH]

Looking good.
I would make the screws that hold the strap brackets through bolts with those nice big washers you have on the other side. Half-inch wood screws in old wet plywood can pull out in a big bump. Design for extra bad things to happen.

Winter projects going on here too. Be happy in your work,
Russ

Nice sketch! just whipped that off did you? And I very much appreciate everyone's input making sure I have it right

The pic is deceiving, your sketch is exactly how the padeyes are attached - #10 bolts, fender washers, nylocs

[edwardc]

Greg, that all looks great. I do wonder about corrosion of the metal parts of the straps. No real basis, just a wonder..maybe we can slather it with petro jelly or some anti sieze or something. On the other hand, maybe you want it to sieze up so it never gives way!

+1 on that. Unless those strap tensioners are bronze or stainless, they're likely going to rust into a solid piece.

[GregH]

+1 on that. Unless those strap tensioners are bronze or stainless, they're likely going to rust into a solid piece.

Good plan-will have to do something. I am only in fresh water (Great Lakes) so that will also help.

[marthur]

Another thought on the strap, if you want to avoid corrosion issues: I have successfully used high strength zip ties to secure tanks in my boat and camper. I usually keep some on hand with a breaking strength of 400 lbs or so and long enough to handle a small fuel tank. They don't rust, are easy to apply and are inexpensive. If you have to remove the tank, cut the tie and replace.

You can find them all over, but I sometimes get them from an industrial supply house because they publish the breaking strength: McMaster Carr Zip Tie Catalog Page

[joe_db]

Spray the strap tensioners with Boeshield or similar

[JOHN COOKSON]

Another thought on the strap, if you want to avoid corrosion issues: I have successfully used high strength zip ties to secure tanks in my boat and camper. I usually keep some on hand with a breaking strength of 400 lbs or so and long enough to handle a small fuel tank. They don't rust, are easy to apply and are inexpensive. If you have to remove the tank, cut the tie and replace.
]

I use the same thing to hold down my battery boxes. Never a problem.

TRUE GRIT

[GregH]

All set for install in the boat. Supposed to be nice-ish this coming Sat and about 3C. We'll see how far we get !

[GregH]

Took advantage of some nice +5C weather and got the tank installed. Hoses I'll do in spring. The fuel on/off valve is simply sitting on top to remind me to find a better position for it in spring.


Bolted down and secure. (Please don't judge me by the mess in the bottom! )


All lashed down and ready for hoses in spring.


The access cut out from galley so tank could slide in. Will make a nice removable insert for it and fresh paint. It's only one more job on the refit list.

[HOTFLASH]

Off topic question--actually 3 of them

What kind of gaskets are on your cockpit locker hatch covers? Know where they could be purchased? Aren't you glad you posted pics? I am!

Mary

[GregH]

What kind of gaskets are on your cockpit locker hatch covers? Know where they could be purchased? Aren't you glad you posted pics? I am!

Mary

That's a good question Mary! They were on the boat when I purchased it. I'll have a look this weekend when next I'm there. Memory thinks it's just household weather stripping but we all know how often he's right