Don,, I smell GAS

[Don's89 Senator]

Had the CRAP scared out of me Saturday.. I dropped my boat into Saratoga Lake in hopes of a great day..Fired up the blower and started getting ready to launch.. noticed a slight gas smell and thought it's the carb that needs to be rebuilt.. Smell cleared and launch.. Moving acrossed the lake and my girlfriend said, Don I smell gas.. I said, Gina relaxe we are fine.. So when I tyied up where the boater hang out.. I started checking for that smell.. opened the hatch and found a small brown line coming down from the gas tank.. Though maybe the heavy rains we had here must have wash something down.. So I stuck my finger in it and smelled... GAS !!!
So I said, S#* t.. ( Remembering Yellowfevers boat..) I'm not starting this thing up and blow up.. So I hung out a bit and a Couple we just met towed me in... Now I got to drain the tank and replace it (My truck will love this 93 octane fuel).. Who has plastic replacement Tanks that will bolt in.. I saw Overtins has tanks.. But I want a drop in without any hassel.. A little help fellow CHECKERS....
Thanks Don

 

[fireguy]

I would contact Checkmate first. This sounds a perfect example of the first rate customer service we all brag about. If they don't have it, I would bet they will steer you in the right direction.

 

[atc250r]

What is the current tank made of? Where is it located? An aluminum one can be repaired by a competent welder.

John

 

[Don's89 Senator]

What is the current tank made of? Where is it located? An aluminum one can be repaired by a competent welder.

John

The tank is under the rear seat.. Square in shape.. I think it's galvinize. I saw a plastic one in Overtins.. Whats your thoughts on plastic instead of metal

 

[atc250r]

It sounds like its in the same place as my Liner's is. Mine is actually between the stringers and some is sunk below the floor but it also sticks about 6 inches or so above. I believe the bottom of mine is contoured to meet the hull for support. I would put money on yours being aluminum. Where is the leak coming from? My Glassmaster started leaking out of the filler hose, they just deteriorated over the years and needed replacement. A quick trip to the boat with a magnet will tell you if the tank is aluminum or galvanized. I don't see anything wrong with a plastic one, that's what's in my Liner but I would guess you would want the bottom of the tank to have some support so short of getting the "correct" one I would guess you'd have to make up a floor of sorts for a flat bottomed one.

John

 

[yellowfiero88]

Don, Good call on not driving it in! We don't need 2 losses in one week! Here is my $.02!!

Repairing~ Usually the aluminum tanks pit making it very hard to repair. I am thinking that this has to do with constant contact with water maybe??? With the age of the boat, I would say it is aluminum. Most since the mid to late 70's are aluminum. Best bet is replacement for piece of mind.

Plastic~ I installed a plastic tank in the playmate. They do expand and contract unlike the aluminum ones even with the vent. In a case of a fire, the aluminum ones are allot more safe. If I had a plastic one in the enchanter, it would have melted dumping 32g of 93 on the fire making a real mess. Cost will be substantially less than aluminum

 

[Don's89 Senator]

Don, Good call on not driving it in! We don't need 2 losses in one week! Here is my $.02!!

Repairing~ Usually the aluminum tanks pit making it very hard to repair. I am thinking that this has to do with constant contact with water maybe??? With the age of the boat, I would say it is aluminum. Most since the mid to late 70's are aluminum. Best bet is replacement for piece of mind.

Plastic~ I installed a plastic tank in the playmate. They do expand and contract unlike the aluminum ones even with the vent. In a case of a fire, the aluminum ones are allot more safe. If I had a plastic one in the enchanter, it would have melted dumping 32g of 93 on the fire making a real mess. Cost will be substantially less than aluminum

Thanks Yellowfever or is it Brian for the input.. I'm thinking , maybe I better stay with Aluminum.. But I will check on Prices.. Do you have any idea what the prices are??? Thought of your boat and I'm sorry for your lose....................... Don

 

[sim]

Thanks Yellowfever or is it Brian for the input.. I'm thinking , maybe I better stay with Aluminum.. But I will check on Prices.. Do you have any idea what the prices are??? Thought of your boat and I'm sorry for your lose....................... Don

I can tell you that I had to have an aluminum tank custom made for my Starliner to the tune of about $700 this past spring and that was probably cheap since it was a buddy's of JT.

 

[keith4216]

$700 It better never need refilling.
Dam I had no idea they cost that much, has to be a much cheaper way.
I'd have to run milk jugs for a while.

 

[yellowfiero88]

Thanks Yellowfever or is it Brian for the input.. I'm thinking , maybe I better stay with Aluminum.. But I will check on Prices.. Do you have any idea what the prices are??? Thought of your boat and I'm sorry for your lose....................... Don

Thanks Don. No clue what prices are. You could call Mike (MK Hammer) 909-888-0055 (yes, I have his number in memory, lol) or Mike @ checkmate might be able to help also. If its custom made, it will be pricey so be prepared! If its a stock size, it should not me bad....
Brian