The Build

[Roger Camacho]

Hey folks,
I just bought a 1976 CC Formula 233 Open Fisherman, that I am in the process of getting sea worthy.
When I took it over to my fiberglass guy, he told me I should have the tank pressure tested for leaks before installing the deck hatches.Has anyone here ever gone through the process of removing the tank without the deck being ripped out?I would think that the tank being made of aluminum should be fine. However, I want to make sure before doing the work that I have to cut the deck. The Transom is brand new and all stringers are rock solid.The Boat is in overall Great shape.Any advise would be Greatly appreciated.

Ok so the old tank was cut out with a saw zaw (Reciprocating) and the new one has been installed.
We rebuilt the cap and decided to close in the transom.
This week marked a huge step and we are moving into paint on the project.
We first sandblasted the bottom of the hull and discovered a couple small blisters.
My Painter will be handling this part so we began engine hunting.
Got incredibly luck and found a 2007 Evinrude ETEC 250 with warranty until 2014.
Also my painter was able to get me on a much nicer trailer to carry our Project on.
Things are coming together fast now that the Fiberglass is out the way.
I am trying to upload the latest pictures but Im having a little trouble with the sight.
None the less I feel confident that Ill be fishing soon.

[Roger Camacho]

Well I removed the tank by cutting into pieces . After removing some foam I saw it was corroded.
I also put a 1/4" thick piece of aluminum and Glassed it in to strengthen the Transom.
While there, we found the two rear stringers, where Inboard sat, were rotting.
That too has been redone.Now comes the new tank.I will lose probably lose 20 gallons of storage now due to the tank having to fit in the deck hole. That is the next phase and then onto the Cap.