Fuel tank replacement

[montezuma]

Hi all
I am looking for and at a Californian 34 trawler to move up to. I have seen the 34 often needs fuel tanks replaced due to rusting out. Can anybody give me any insight and experience on this project? Do you pull and replace the fuel tanks through the salon floor or how do you get the tanks out?
The boats I have seen do not have cockpit floor access. Any feedback greatly welcomed!
thanks....Alan

[FlyWright]

Originally Posted by montezuma

Hi FlyWright
I saw that often the fuel tanks need to be replaced on this Californian 34 model. Has yours been replaced? Do they replace them through the salon floor or how do they get access? I am looking for a Cali 34 and interested in any thoughts on ownership.
thanks....Alan

Yes, mine were replaced with aluminum tanks by the PO. He did the work himself by cutting the salon floor between the aft edge of the ER hatch and the aft door sill. The tanks slid right out, he tells me. It's just that they're steel, so they're heavy as can be. He muscled it but cutting is always an option.

I'm a huge 34 LRC fan but also like the 30 and 37/38 LRC sedans. The 34 LRC achilles heel is the shaft logs sling water on the tank walls. This promotes corrosion. Dripless shaft logs solve this issue.

They are very stout vessels with great bones and more seaworthy than I'm willing to test. IMO, the interior workmanship on the earlier models like my 1977 was not up to par with GB's or CHBs, but they're functional and solid mahogany. Later years improved upon that, but used more laminates.

Mine has the 85 Perkins twins so slow is my only option. The Perkins 6.354 and Cat and Detroit 200-250 hp twins can get up and go. I've been 23K on chc's 34 LRC with Detroit 250s. It's a hoot!

[montezuma]

Originally Posted by FlyWright

Yes, mine were replaced with aluminum tanks by the PO. He did the work himself by cutting the salon floor between the aft edge of the ER hatch and the aft door sill. The tanks slid right out, he tells me. It's just that they're steel, so they're heavy as can be. He muscled it but cutting is always an option.

I'm a huge 34 LRC fan but also like the 30 and 37/38 LRC sedans. The 34 LRC achilles heel is the shaft logs sling water on the tank walls. This promotes corrosion. Dripless shaft logs solve this issue.

They are very stout vessels with great bones and more seaworthy than I'm willing to test. IMO, the interior workmanship on the earlier models like my 1977 was not up to par with GB's or CHBs, but they're functional and solid mahogany. Later years improved upon that, but used more laminates.

Mine has the 85 Perkins twins so slow is my only option. The Perkins 6.354 and Cat and Detroit 200-250 hp twins can get up and go. I've been 23K on chc's 34 LRC with Detroit 250s. It's a hoot!

Thanks for the quick reply! I found a Cali 34 with a third tank between the two replaced/original tanks and cannot see how they were able to install it. I would like to take it out to put a generator back in but cannot estimate the cost since I cannot figure out how they did it.
Another question, Does yours have a bladder type holding tank? I want to replace it with a PVC tank but not sure of the options.
I appreciate your guidance.
thanks....Alan

[FlyWright]

Originally Posted by montezuma

Thanks for the quick reply! I found a Cali 34 with a third tank between the two replaced/original tanks and cannot see how they were able to install it. I would like to take it out to put a generator back in but cannot estimate the cost since I cannot figure out how they did it.
Another question, Does yours have a bladder type holding tank? I want to replace it with a PVC tank but not sure of the options.
I appreciate your guidance.
thanks....Alan

Dunno about your fuel tanks or genset costs. I wouldn't be surprised at something north of 10 boat units.

My water and holding tanks are both original fiberglass, on centerline and in good shape...knock on wood. Before you modify your sanitation system, buy Peggie's new book. It's got more answers that we have questions.

[markpierce]

Originally Posted by FlyWright

...

Mine has the 85 Perkins twins so slow is my only option. The Perkins 6.354 and Cat and Detroit 200-250 hp twins can get up and go. I've been 23K on chc's 34 LRC with Detroit 250s. It's a hoot!

Al, your boat is at least two knots faster than my single 80-horsepower, 14-ton vessel. Count your blessings.

[markpierce]

Originally Posted by FlyWright

...

They are very stout vessels with great bones and more seaworthy than I'm willing to test. ...

One of these days we need to go beyond GG bridge and challenge the Pacific.