Fairline Corniche Replacing Fuel Tanks

[telsyork]

So after a summer of mopping up diesel from the bilge its time to fix the issue.
Time to pump out the remaining fuel and start pulling the boat apart

So out with the port side cupboard

Removal of AP Computer, DSM and associated wiring, and the Eberspacher followed

 

[CLB]

The job would be easier if the boat was the right way up

 

[telsyork]

I know it would, makes you dizzy too ����������

 

[stelican]

I know it would, makes you dizzy too ����������

But it made it easy to drain the fuel!

 

[telsyork]

Now for the carpet and floor

 

[telsyork]

Fortunately Fairline put everything together with either brass or stainless screws which have all come out surprisingly easily after 30 years

 

[telsyork]

Those joists are in the way

 

[telsyork]

Now we have a fair chance of getting the tanks out straight up, the joists were on joist hangers screwed to the fore and aft engine bay bulkheads

 

[sharpness]

Good on you, not an easy job to tackle.
Where are the tanks leaking from, i assume the seams at the base of the tank ?

 

[Seastoke]

well done so far

 

[telsyork]

I presume it's at the base, until they are out (Saturday hopefully) I can't be sure

 

[Seastoke]

are you replacing or repair

 

[telsyork]

Thanks John
I presume it's around the base, but, all will be revealed when they are out (Saturday hopefully)

Regards Terry

 

[telsyork]

My best mate is a coded welder (handy) he thinks we may be able to cut off 1" from the base and reweld a new base on.
This sounds good to me (and should be less than the estimated £1500 for new)

 

[Seastoke]

silly question but but are they perfect square or shaped to hull

 

[telsyork]

Hi Seastoke
They appear to be rectangular so nothing special made from mild steel.
If we have to have replacements I may go to stainless

 

[volvopaul]

Hi Seastoke
They appear to be rectangular so nothing special made from mild steel.
If we have to have replacements I may go to stainless

I’ve had 2 corniches in past years , the second one I fitted stainless tanks and as far as I know there still going strong in Finland .

 

[swifty]

When I replaced the tank, I went plastic with a Tex Tank, excellent company to deal with, they used my old tank as the template and it slotted in perfectly. The workmanship was first class.

 

[Seastoke]

It sound silly but I imagine the tops are as new , could you not turn them upside down and block filler up ,it just seems a lot less work all depends on budjet

 

[telsyork]

Ok, tanks are out.
They are wedge shaped 60 mm less at the bottom than the top.
Almost all the rust, as expected, is in the bottom plate.
We have decided they are beyond repair and are going for new stainless tanks.
I thought about Tek tanks, but, due to having some good friends in the trade I can get two tanks fabbed up for under £600