Tank removal

[GEORGE CATEGE]

Can anybody give me any pointers as to how to remove the gas tank from my 1981 F233. This thing is foamed in pretty good. I'm doing a total resto, so removing stringers is also an option at this time.

 

Also, one more question. The boat sits on a bunk trailer now, can i just remove all the foam and stringers from the boat without having problems with the hull giving up? There is no motor or any gear in the boat now.

[Thomas C. Norville]

I just completely gutted one, and that damn tank was a pain. I cut the stringers out around it and it still took two people to pry it from the foam on the bottom of it. As far as the hull flexing, mine is a early 70's model, it didn't move at all with everything out of it. Hope that helps.

[GEORGE CATEGE]

Thank you.

[Roger Camacho]

I have the Center console /78 /233.On this model there was a v bottom shaped tank foamed in as well.
The access panel was large but there was no possible way to remove the tank through the hole.
I made sure the tank was bone dry and took a sawzaw to the tank.It came out in smaller pieces.
If you attempt this" Be Careful" sawing gas tanks can be hazardous to your health ,especially if they contain gas .After drying as I mentioned above, we pulled out the pieces.I dug out all the foam and inspected the stringers which to my surprise were perfect in this area. I then designed a tank that would fit back into the whole on the deck which turned out to be 110 gallons give or take a few.It can be done on my hull but I cant say for sure if this will work for yours.Message me if you have any questions and good luck.

[GEORGE CATEGE]

Thank you for your respond. I will have to use my last trick in my sleeve by using com along to lift it with a little help with pry bar from the sides and end. I have the same tank and is bone dry. Was your tank just foamed to the bottom or did they use any 5200? I also have foam under it and i hope there is no 5200 over there.