Bow Fresh Water Tank of 35.5 - Refurbishing

[dave nederhood]

My 1978 35.5's bow fresh tank (est 87 gallons) sits beneath the V-berth having a triangular shape and single 4" diameter inspection port. The tank has been shedding small pieces of fiberglass which has prompted me to either coat the interior or insert a smaller flexible tank. I decided to coat the interior with water quality epoxy (Liquid-tile 1172) suitable for small tanks.  My process to date: 

1. I cut back the plywood that my V-berth cushions rest on to increase my access to the top of the fiberglass tank (1st pic). 

2. Next, I cut a section (approx 17" x 25" - 4th pic) of the tank top free to increase my access to the interior of the tank. Tank top is 3/8 inch, solid fiberglass.

3. I lightly sanded the interior of the tank (see pic #2) to remove any loose fiber and to rough up the surface very lightly. I vacuumed and wipe down the surface prior to application.

4. Next, I applied the 1st coat (pic #3) of epoxy (white) using a roller & brush (see photo). I was at times working blindly as evidenced by a few spots I missed. 

5. Next, I applied a 2nd coat (pic #4) of epoxy (see photos) within the recommended time cure window.

Results so far: Interior of the tank looks 100% better. Definitely needed to use a 2nd coat of epoxy. 

6. Still to complete

     a. Need to cut a larger inspection port (8 inch diameter) and install new port in tank top.

     b. Need to re-attach the top of the tank I cut out using fiberglass to re-seal the tank. 

Note: the tank never had baffles & I have decided to continue this practice, but am considering baffle balls that can be inserted thru the inspection port if I decide to.

This will complete my re-build of the water system, as last yr I replaced all lines with pex, installed a new canister filter, 2 new faucets & hand-activated faucet, and a new water pump.