Replacing longbow fueltank, again

[steve yates]

Finally sourced a fuel tank, arriving at yard this week.
If you remember from my previous post, the yard proposed to cut open the cockpit floor to fit it in, add some beaters, bolt the floor back on and seal it.
Now they have the dimensions, they have suggested it looks possible to remove the engine, slide in the tank and then put the engine back.
What do folk think will give me the least possible problems, floor or engine?
Any benefits in going the engine route? I worry that it just needs one slight screw up to give me headaches down the line?

 

[PaulRainbow]

I'd rather remove the engine than cut the cockpit around Steve.

 

[lw395]

Without having seen it, I would say that cutting the cockpit sole, adding a bit of reinforcement and replacing with proper sealing, could be a lot less work than engine-out, engine-in, and allow better access to make a nice job of it.
You'd need to see the the actual boat to spot the traps in either course of action.

One driver wold be the other things that could be done at the same time, e.g. would the engine area benefit from taking the motor out, tidying up and replacing, or is it all pretty good?
Likewise would cockpit floor surgery enable other improvements?

Neither course of action is trivial TBH. But both are do-able to a good result.

 

[lpdsn]

Have they given you an estimate of the costs of the two approaches?

 

[steve yates]

Only that removing the engine shouldn't take any longer.

 

[JumbleDuck]

Engine.

 

[Tam Lin]

If the engine and it’s ancilliries work then it might be better to leave it in place. On the other hand it is an opportunity to check everything over while it is out and clean up places that you can’t usually reach.
OTOH if you cut the cockpit it may be possible to fix it back semi permanently so that you can get back in there in the future should the need arise
You pays your money.........

 

[[163233]]

Would it be easier to fit two smaller tanks instead of one large one?

 

[Quandary]

Would it be easier to fit two smaller tanks instead of one large one?

JBJ You missed his earlier thread when this was discussed, he now has the tank, see above.

Steve, I vote for sliding the engine forward, you are going to be re-furbing the cabin anyway and it would be nice to get it all cleaned, I would have a look at the sound insulation which could be a bit grotty when you have it out.
In general if I am paying someone to do a job for me I let them choose the method if possible, that way they can not moan if it proves to be a bit more difficult than anticipated

 

[Stemar]

that way they can not moan if it proves to be a bit more difficult than anticipated

Won't change the hourly rate, though, just multiply the hours...

 

[Tranona]

that way they can not moan if it proves to be a bit more difficult than anticipated

Won't change the hourly rate, though, just multiply the hours...

Suspect a fixed price agreement would solve that!

 

[Stemar]

Suspect a fixed price agreement would solve that!

Nice idea if they'll go for it, but I rather suspect that anyone who's been earning a living from boats wouldn't - too many variables. I've had many a job that should have taken a couple of hours end up taking a couple of days :disgust:. And, rarely, the other way round .

 

[steve yates]

Looks like the jury is out, I'll ring them on mon and talk it through.
Thanks all.

 

[steve yates]

To bring this uptodate, we went for engine removal. Worked a treat, and discovered two broken engine mountings in the process.
Downside was, they did do something stupid on reinstatement, and forgot to wire the alternator to the starter motor! So no power going into the batteries all the way down to Penzance. Wasn't very happy about that.
But the new fuel tank is in, filler on the side deck now so can't spill diesel all over the cockpit, and easy access to inspection hatch for tank cleaning etc.

 

[pvb]

Result!