This can be the single biggest problem to fix - depending on the
location, access, etc. New tanks are expensive and R&R is expensive.

Proper new diesel tanks that size should be made out of 1/4 - 5/16
alum - depending on the dimensions.

What's the matter with the original tanks?

Have you really thought this through. You need several hard estimates
before you close the deal.



On Thu, 03 Jun 2004 00:03:35 -0400, Wayne.B
wrote:

If everything goes according to plan, I'm about to buy a Grand Banks
49 trawler that needs new fuel tanks (500 gallons each).

Any thoughts from this group on the best material for new tanks,
fabrication hints, and/or removal/installation suggestions?

On Thu, 03 Jun 2004 15:15:54 -0700, Mark wrote:

Have you really thought this through. You need several hard estimates
before you close the deal.

========================================

I've gotten several estimates (all over $30K), and a large enough
survey adjustment to make for a satisfactory deal.

Have you had any tanks made from 1/4 or 5/16 aluminum? I'm
particularly looking for fabrication advice regarding coatings,
geometry, baffles, fill/vent/drain fittings, etc.

The tanks will be made by a contractor but I want to be sure they are
spec'd properly.

"Wayne.B" wrote in message
...
On Thu, 03 Jun 2004 15:15:54 -0700, Mark wrote:

Have you really thought this through. You need several hard estimates
before you close the deal.

========================================

I've gotten several estimates (all over $30K), and a large enough
survey adjustment to make for a satisfactory deal.

Have you had any tanks made from 1/4 or 5/16 aluminum? I'm
particularly looking for fabrication advice regarding coatings,
geometry, baffles, fill/vent/drain fittings, etc.

The tanks will be made by a contractor but I want to be sure they are
spec'd properly.

I'd hire a naval architect for a day. Stuff like designing a 500 gallon
tank probably should not be left to a contractor.

Baffles will be absolutely required, about every 24-30", External
stiffeners will probably be required, depending on the head on the tank
(height from bottom of tank to top of the vent). Geometry - will you
duplicate the existing tanks?


--
Evan Gatehouse

you'll have to rewrite my email address to get to me
ceilydh AT 3web dot net
(fools the spammers)

On Thu, 3 Jun 2004 23:15:17 -0700, "Evan Gatehouse"
wrote:

Geometry - will you
duplicate the existing tanks?

===========================

The existing tanks are hard to see until taken out.

"Wayne.B" wrote
I've gotten several estimates (all over $30K), and a large enough
survey adjustment to make for a satisfactory deal....
The tanks will be made by a contractor but I want to be sure they are
spec'd properly.


Evan Gatehouse wrote:
I'd hire a naval architect for a day. Stuff like designing a 500 gallon
tank probably should not be left to a contractor.

Agree strongly! While I hesitate to suggest that it *must* be an
adversarial relationship, you really don't want the low-bid contractor
doing both the design and construction. If you're going to drop that
much money, you should spend the small amount extra to get a proper
design for the tanks.

Also I am slightly surprised that nobody suggested Monel... if it's
going to cost that much anyway...

Fresh Breezes- Doug King