Westerly Fulmar Water Tanks

[philmarks]

A friend with a Fulmar has a corroded main water tank seam. Looks like a b#### of a job to replace (so what's new?).

I think it will have to be cut up in situ for removal (access panel in cockpit locker too small, and locker opening too small) or cockpit sole has to be sliced open don't want to do that.

Has anyone gone through this process and if so any tips eg - what tank to replace it with. Looks like either bladder tank in a pre-fab box, or if solid tank there will be a loss of capacity due to limited size that can be inserted, although two small tanks might be possible.

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks

Phil

 

[ashanta]

Sorry if you may have tried these www.westerly-owners.co.uk

 

[jerryat]

Hi phlim,

I have a Fulmar and, though I've never tried it, I'm pretty sure the S/S water tank in mine will pass through the engine side access hatch and into the cockpit locker. You do have to move the whole engine forward though from the measurements I took!!

As you suggest, I real pain in the butt. I checked this out only because if I ever did have to replace the tank, I've also got to move the calorifier and 'fridge compressor (situated at the forward end of the cockpit locker) so even more work!!!

I think it's worth another look before your friend decides to cut the thing up in-situ as that will be a really awkward job in that position. Maybe he hadn't thought about moving the engine.

Cheers Jerry

 

[andy_wilson]

When my Fulmar fuel tank rusted through I removed the water tank into the locker to get the fuel tank out. The water tank came out without interference with the engine or gearbox.

My water tank wouldn't come out of the locker through the hatch because it had 'blown', so it was more like a fat cusion than a cube.

I seem to remenber thinking that it would come out if it was still square.

If not, removing the locker lid and surround would be feasable, needing the GRP grinding away and re-laminating into place afterwards.

 

[philmarks]

I had a look at it and thought that it could be cut up with an angle grinder fairly easily. I don't think that moving the engine forward will be an attractive option!

Thanks

 

[philmarks]

I recall that this one has also gone pear/cushion-shaped!

Not sure about removing the locker lid being difficult - I recall that the surround is bolted on with rubber gaskets, whole piece removable.

Calorifier and fridge compressor would have to be moved I think, as jerryat said.

Thanks