On 6/18/07, Richard B. Emerson <pavilion@pinefields.com> wrote:
>
> While I've believed that, about Baba owners, "there are those who have
> replaced their fuel tanks and those who will", after seeing OWTW's tank out
> of the boat, this is a much bigger "Master Huang surprise" than I expected.
> Please look on the forum's maintenance section for the pictures. The
> executive summary is that, at least in our '85 35, there are three glaring
> errors:
>
> 1) There is no drainage for water trapped along the sides of the tank.
> There is some space for water to eventually leave but that's not the same as
> proper installation. At least on OWTW, the tank was killed by water
> standing, albeit briefly, along the lower edge of the tank.
>

Tanks cannot touch the hull or sit in a low spot that would cause them to be
exposed to bilge water or puddling of highly corrosive salt water. Tanks
need to sit on stingers allowing air and free flow of any water. Where
tanks touch mounting brackets use Irish Felt to prevent moisture contact
with the tank.

2) The tank rests on two rails or stringers (made of glass matting over PVC
> pipe or hose) and wood blocks under the tank. A full 60 gallon tank
> probably weighs close to 500 lbs (480 lbs for 60 gal. of water, diesel is
> slightly lighter, add the weight of the tank and... 500 lbs isn't hard to
> reach). Setting it on the stringers and wood blocks that will over time
> turn to pulp due to water intrusion... not good.
>

Water intrusion is the result of improper installation and or fabrication!

3) The tank is held in place by cleats screwed to an aft and forward
> bulkhead. There are no straps or other hold-downs. On OWTW the forward
> bulkhead was rotting to the point of not longer being servicable. The tanks
> was ultimately held in place more by rust than anything else.
>
> The tank walls are about 1/8" thick; rust had reduced this to about half
> (1/16") in at least the point where the tank was cut apart. The prudent
> Baba owner would do well to check their tanks for rust problems.
>

Fuel tanks marine grade aluminum
Water tanks poly (plastic) tanks
Water pipes PEX polyeurthane
Fuel hoses USCG type I and II as applicable

Edit provided by:

Dave Lewis
LewisCo Marine Services
S/V Bella
Baba40
Ens, BC, Mexico
619 913 1584

Cheers,
> Rick
>
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Received on Mon Jun 18 10:07:37 2007