On Nov 10, 5:26 am, redtravelmaster wrote:
I'm hoping some folks here can advise me on this. I'm starting to
replace the deck on my 1975 Regal Countess 180 outboard. I use
portable fuel tanks tucked against the transom under the rear seats
and transom pocket.

As part of my restoration project I'd like to add a fuel tank under
the deck, almost amidships. I'm thinking this would give better
balance for plane, and also free up storage space I'm now using for
fuel tanks. I've located a Moeller 28 gallon belly tank that would
work fine, except I will need to cut away part of the center stringer
to install it.

Are there any structural problems with changing the stringers like
this? I would expect to frame around the tank to build a mounting
pocket, which should replace strength from the stringer I cut. Any
other issues I should be considering?

Thanks

Part of the stringer? How much?. How much this affects the strength
of the stringer cannot be determined without knowing how much is cut
away and how much is left. What you could do is what is called
sistering. Double or triple up what is left. In other words put a
piece on both sides of the stringer that overlap the part you didn't
cut away. Glue and screw the pieces to the existing stringer. This
should make it just about it as strong as it was before you cut part
of it out. If you have questions e-mail me.

Peter