Chllenger 35 diesel tank removal

[Ed spence]

These boats have a SS tank which fits snugly into the bottom of the full length keel. Mine has a leak and I am struggling to remove it. Does anyone know if these tanks help to support the structure of the keel i.e. they keep the 'walls' from flexing inwards, as the boat is in the water and the sides of the keel are thus under pressure to flex inwards? If so I may need to lift out to release the tank?
Ed

 

[robmcg]

It is unlikely that a fuel tank will be a structural component of the yacht. It may well be a right bu**er to get out mind!

 

[vyv_cox]

I can only agree. No manufacturer in his right mind is going to use a thin-walled tank as a structural member. AFAIK a Challenger 35 is a solidly built boat accustomed to long distance cruising, which suggests that flexing of the keel is most unlikely.