Water tanks are leaking.....

[wi...@appletonproperties.com]

So the stainless water tank corrosion problems associated with many other P40's have reared their head aboard Artax #146.

I have read thru the threads associated with this issue and have a few remaining questions....

1,) Has anyone tried using plastic or bladder based water tanks?

2.) How easy was it to remove the tanks intact? My layout has the tanks under the salon settee's. 

3.) Is a repair even really a valid option or once you get the tanks out should you just pony up and replace them?

4.) Any modifications or improvements people have made while undergoing this project?

Thanks

Will Fastow

Artax #146

Annapolis,MD 

[Donal Botkin]

View[+]Finder here,

BTDT, I’m sad to say. STBD tank failed and leaked water into the ballast iron punchings, giving rise to the dreaded ‘cabin-sole-buckle’ problem. (but that’s another story)

Your questions:

1) the SDBD tank was replaced with rigid ‘food-grade’ spun plastic from a S. Cal company (I can get you the name if needed) in a smaller capacity than the ss tank, but easier to manage and intended only for potable water supply. Bladder was considered, but it creates it’s own problems in a sailboat underway at sea in rough conditions. 

2) it’s amazing what two guys and a Japan saw can do without screwing up the woodwork beyond repair.

3) the design of the tanks was faulty (too many welded seams and they used the wrong welding rods to boot); replace them.

4) I went for more space and less water and put the water-maker in the same compartment. I lot depends on what you plan to do with your boat: there is a '$$ or water or diesel' equation that is influenced by your cruising area and which of the three is likely to be in short supply.  e.g. If money is not a limiting factor, a Spectra water-maker will make the need for a large tank go away. If you can count on wind, diesel fuel is not a problem.

Hope this helps,

Donal

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[George Louis]

Replaced my stbd tank with $2,000 to fabricate. Old one came right out. 

Thank you,

George Louis 

707-290-1637 c

Sent from my iPhone

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[Donal Botkin]

My tank from Plastic-mart (RV39W 20gal) was under $200 with fittings and an inspection port on the top. Drawing attached.

Donal

[Steve Binari]

I can address the starboard tank.  If you make a horizontal cut 4" above the seat on the settee seatback, you can rotate the tank out of the settee, see the attached picture.  I prefer this approach since you don't have to deal with any teak finish work.  It also allows for easier removal in the future.    The tank can be removed through the companionway by two people.  Our tank had several pinhole leaks in the seams and where the baffles were attached.  The welder we used thought the stainless was in good shape, so the seams were ground out and re-welded.   Once the tank is out, you have great access to the punchings and it is probably a good idea to remove them.

 

Steve Binari

s/v Albireo

P40, #57, 1984 

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[Donal Botkin]

“Every ship, a different long-splice . . .” (I was told that maxim goes back to the ancient Greeks) 

My P40 had a much smaller tank due to the bulkhead being farther aft and having a spot for the heater. It is correct that minor surgery—not touching the teak—will get the tank out.

Donal

<StarboardTankOnSide.jpg>