[C320-list] Fuel Tank Replacement

[Mark Seyler via C320-list]

I need to replace the fuel tank on my 1995 No. 232, and was surprised that
Catalina Direct now charges over $1,000 for a new tank. Has anyone found a
less expensive source?



I saw an exchange on the list back in February of this year that mentioned
getting a tank less expensively through Ezell, and/or through Jeff Hare and
Ezell for his re-designed, larger tank. Has anyone done that more recently?
I tried contacting Ezell, but so far they have not responded.



Thanks in advance for any help anyone can provide.



Mark Seyler

S/V Reality,

Catalina 320, #232

New Orleans, LA

[Jason Reynolds via C320-list]

I replaced my fuel tank approximately 5 years ago and used ezell. They were great!

Jason

Sent from my iPhone

> On Oct 26, 2023, at 2:45 PM, Mark Seyler via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>
> I need to replace the fuel tank on my 1995 No. 232, and was surprised that

[Phil Hansen via C320-list]

2 years ago I had a tank made for 435 USD +shipping in Florida for hull 322 -- perfect fit -- sa...@mycarrenterprise.com  Rolando Rochette
PEH

[Jeff Smith via C320-list]

I second that. I purchased a tank this spring, and the Ezell tank fit
perfectly. I replaced all my fuel lines at the same time.

Jeff
‘94, #121

On Thu, Oct 26, 2023 at 4:23 PM Jason Reynolds via C320-list <

[MICHAEL RAUH via C320-list]

About five years ago I replaced my fuel tank (1997 hull # 408). I priced the tank with CD and Ezell. The CD tank is an Ezell tank they mark up the price. So, buying straight from Ezell is cheaper.

The new tank fit in easily. I also replaced the fuel hoses and hold down straps.

Mike

On Your Mark #408

Sent from my iPhone

> On Oct 26, 2023, at 17:46, Jeff Smith <svsailm...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> I second that. I purchased a tank this spring, and the Ezell tank fit

[ROBERT MILLER via C320-list]

Replaced my tank 3 years ago. Dealt with Ezell direct, and it was seamless, even with delivery to Canada. They provided drawings so I could check measurements, and added a clean out/inspection port at my request for nominal cost. Perfect fit. There are detailed instructions on the Association website for this job, as well as a Mainsheet article.
Rob Miller
#571


Sent from my iPhone

> On Oct 26, 2023, at 2:46 PM, Jeff Smith <svsailm...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> I second that. I purchased a tank this spring, and the Ezell tank fit

[Dan via C320-list]

How do you know when time to change tank?
#250

Sent from my iPhone

> On Oct 27, 2023, at 4:54 PM, ROBERT MILLER via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>
> Replaced my tank 3 years ago. Dealt with Ezell direct, and it was seamless, even with delivery to Canada. They provided drawings so I could check measurements, and added a clean out/inspection port at my request for nominal cost. Perfect fit. There are detailed instructions on the Association website for this job, as well as a Mainsheet article.

[jackbrennan via C320-list]

Diesel in the bilge? In theory, keeping water out of the tank should keep it from rusting. Of course, substandard fabrication could also play a role.Jack BrennanSent via the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G, an AT&T 5G smartphone
-------- Original message --------From: Dan via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> Date: 10/27/23 7:58 PM (GMT-06:00) To: C320...@catalina320.com Cc: Dan <danb...@gmail.com>, ROBERT MILLER <r.mi...@shaw.ca> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Fuel Tank Replacement How do you know when time to change tank?#250Sent from my iPhone> On Oct 27, 2023, at 4:54 PM, ROBERT MILLER via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:> > Replaced my tank 3 years ago. Dealt with Ezell direct, and it was seamless, even with delivery to Canada. They provided drawings so I could check measurements,  and added a clean out/inspection port at my request for nominal cost. Perfect fit. There are detailed instructions on the Association website for this job, as well as a Mainsheet article. > Rob Miller> #571> > > Sent from my iPhone> >> On Oct 26, 2023, at 2:46 PM, Jeff Smith <svsailm...@gmail.com> wrote:>> >> I second that. I purchased a tank this spring, and the Ezell tank fit>> perfectly. I replaced all my fuel lines at the same time.>> >> Jeff>> ‘94, #121>> >>> On Thu, Oct 26, 2023 at 4:23 PM Jason Reynolds via C320-list <>>> c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:>>> >>> I replaced my fuel tank approximately 5 years ago and used ezell. They>>> were great!>>> >>> Jason>>> >>> Sent from my iPhone>>> >>>> On Oct 26, 2023, at 2:45 PM, Mark Seyler via C320-list <>>> c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:>>>> >>>> I need to replace the fuel tank on my 1995 No. 232, and was surprised>>> that>>>> Catalina Direct now charges over $1,000 for a new tank. Has anyone>>> found a>>>> less expensive source?>>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> I saw an exchange on the list back in February of this year that>>> mentioned>>>> getting a tank less expensively through Ezell, and/or through Jeff Hare>>> and>>>> Ezell for his re-designed, larger tank. Has anyone done that more>>> recently?>>>> I tried contacting Ezell, but so far they have not responded.>>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Thanks in advance for any help anyone can provide.>>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Mark Seyler>>>> >>>> S/V Reality,>>>> >>>> Catalina 320, #232>>>> >>>> New Orleans, LA>>>> >>>> >>>> >>> >>

[Bruce Heyman via C320-list]

Hi Dan,
Unfortunately one day you will open the boat up to the aroma of diesel. You will look in the bilge and find that the tank is weeping into the bilge. The original tanks were 0.087 inch thick and I think the new one that I replaced ours with was 0.125. That should add some robustness to the design. Doing everything you can to keep water from remaining stagnate inside the tank will help immensely. Also, need to make sure nothing is in contact on the outside of the tank that can cause galvanic corrosion or hold moisture against the surface.

Bruce Heyman
Somerset #671 San Pedro (LA) California

-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list <c320-lis...@lists.catalina320.com> On Behalf Of Dan via C320-list
Sent: Friday, October 27, 2023 5:57 PM
To: C320...@catalina320.com
Cc: Dan <danb...@gmail.com>; ROBERT MILLER <r.mi...@shaw.ca>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Fuel Tank Replacement

[Dennis Cookson via C320-list]

I am in the process of replacing Catalina's 24-year old fuel tank as a precautionary measure, although on removal I may find that it already has a pinhole leak because there is occasionally a slight whiff of diesel in the aft cabin. It seems wise to do it before it becomes critical, especially as the boat is on the hard now for the winter season. I have Ezell's drawing for a replacement, although mine was made by Skyline Industries of Pleasant Grove. However, as I don’t live in the US, I’ve sought quotes from local fabricators here in the UK to manufacture a custom replacement because the cost of international shipping, VAT and customs make an import unattractive.

I’ve now received quotes from four fuel tank fabricators: two that make aluminium tanks and two that manufacture in 10mm thick plastic (HDPE). In aluminium, the best quote has come in at £630 including VAT and shipping. That’s for a plug-in replacement in 3mm thick 5083 marine grade aluminium including all the hosetails, sender cutout, an inspection hatch, internal baffle and leak testing.

Interestingly, a custom HDPE tank is not much more expensive, and has a few advantages including complete resistance to corrosion, reduced condensation, and ease of installation. It comes with an inspection hatch, sender cutout, internal baffle, and a number of BSP threaded sockets into which elbow hosetails in plastic or brass can easily be fitted. I estimate that a complete plug-in replacement for the existing tank would work out at around £720.

Having removed the shelf above the tank my next step is to pump out its contents and then extricate the empty tank, following which I’ll be double-checking dimensions and support to ensure a good fit. I’m seriously considering choosing an HDPE replacement, and would welcome comments from owners who have taken this route, or considered and rejected it for good reason.

Dennis Cookson
‘Catalina’ #577

[Dan via C320-list]

How difficult to replace? Any hints?

Sent from my iPhone

> On Oct 29, 2023, at 1:22 PM, Dennis Cookson via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>
> I am in the process of replacing Catalina's 24-year old fuel tank as a precautionary measure, although on removal I may find that it already has a pinhole leak because there is occasionally a slight whiff of diesel in the aft cabin. It seems wise to do it before it becomes critical, especially as the boat is on the hard now for the winter season. I have Ezell's drawing for a replacement, although mine was made by Skyline Industries of Pleasant Grove. However, as I don’t live in the US, I’ve sought quotes from local fabricators here in the UK to manufacture a custom replacement because the cost of international shipping, VAT and customs make an import unattractive.

[Jack Brennan via C320-list]

Had an HPDE tank on a previous boat. Worked well. Big plus is you can see the fuel level. A minus was that the fittings to screw in the inspection plate weren't done properly. I had to use adhesive sealant to mount it. The tank tends to expand a little after it is first filled, so strap it firmly but not really tight.

Jack Brennan

Sent via the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G, an AT&T 5G smartphone



-------- Original message --------

[Dennis Cookson via C320-list]

Thanks Jack. I’ve just modelled the HDPE tank in 3D and one interesting discovery is that the increased wall thickness of 10mm all round will result in approx 10L less capacity, for the same overall dimensions. I’m now looking at increasing the height of the tank a little to compensate.

Dennis Cookson
‘Catalina’ #577