C-Kip fuel tanks

[Doghousekeeper]

Anyone know how easy it is to replace the original - mild steel - tanks in a C-Kip 40 (now very rusty after nearly 30 years)?

I don't mind if I have to put slightly smaller replacements in

 

[castlevar]

I Replaced my fuel tanks on a previous boat a trader 34 which was difficult but in the end very sucessfull.
first empty tanks fully this is very important then wash out with soapy water.
next cut tanks in half this will enable you to get tanks out over the gearbox.
measure tanks carefully make 2 tanks to replace 1 joined top and bottom with tank fittings say 1inch box unions doing it this way increased tankage slightly.
but as I was planing to cross biscay the following year ifitted an additional fuel tank between engines this worked very well.
if you would like further info pm me for phone number.

 

[colinmi]

DHK

Castlevar is spot on. This is the only sensible way to do it. All I would add is you might need to cut the old tanks op into smaller bits than you might think to get the it squeezed out of the hole and then out of the door. And if two smaller tanks work than thats fine. The installation I have seen had 3 smaller tanks stacked on top of each other and linked together with 2inch fittings.

I have a 40 year old Grand Banks 36 and fitted new tanks a few years ago. It was easier for me as I was also replacing the decks and super structure. So old tanks lifted straight out and new tanks same size straight in.

Cheers

Colin

 

[BlueLancer]

You don't say wether the tanks are for diesel or petrol. Without stating the obvious do not under any circumstances attempt to cut empty petrol tanks, the resulting experince will ruin your day. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gifThey have to be steam cleaned before they can be cut. Diesel tanks can be cleaned with soapy water as suggested, its not the fuel thats the issue but the fumes. Good Luck.

 

[Paragon]

I've got the Marine Trader 40 sedan, US equivalent of the C Kip I believe, and replaced the starboard tank with two separate tanks. I had to cut up the old tank into at least three separate sections (they were quite heavy!) once the tank had been emptied.

I had two new steel tanks made and painted and then installed these with new piping and other "enhancements" whilst at it. I have had to re-engine so did this whilst the engines were out, I can not see how you would ever do this with the engine(s) in as the boat seems to have been constructed around the tanks. PM me if you like some pictures!

Good luck!

 

[castlevar]

Hi merry mary yes i did replace the tanks without removing engines used a 9" grinder to remove as stated lifted over gear box in sections welded up new tanks using template to check clearence re fitted tanks .
yes it can be carried out you might have a larger gear box mine was a borgwarner velvet drive.

 

[Doghousekeeper]

Thanks for the comments everyone. It looks as though it could be do-able (just rather awkward) . Hey Ho - more cheques for the boatyard!
/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif