Cutting Fiberglass to Remove Fuel Tanks

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trihartsfield

trihartsfield

Senior Member
Joined
Mar 4, 2021
Messages
149
Vessel Name
Ethos of the T
Vessel Make
26 Sedan Tollycraft
1974 Tollycraft 26 Sedan

Would there be any draw back to remove two small sections of fiberglass that is just above the tanks. I would be able to remove the tanks without having to remove the engine. After the tanks are out I could repair the fiberglass, order a tank that is 2-4 inches shorter. I know I would loose some volume of gas but I would save quite a bit just not having to have the engine removed.

Sorry I do not know how to rotate the pictures
 

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You could make the glass as strong as it is now. Just take a bit of work to get in there.
 
You could certainly cut them but....
The heavy, vertical ( I think ) pieces are structural members. Supporting the deck or flooring maybe, cain't tell. I'd take a long , hard look at what they are supporting and why they are heavily built and fiberglassed.
I'd want to replace them with something as strong. Maybe get a fiberglass Pro's opinion.
 
Solly said:
You could certainly cut them but....
The heavy, vertical ( I think ) pieces are structural members. Supporting the deck or flooring maybe, cain't tell. I'd take a long , hard look at what they are supporting and why they are heavily built and fiberglassed.
I'd want to replace them with something as strong. Maybe get a fiberglass Pro's opinion.
Click to expand...

I agree they appear to be structural members.
 
Why not just cut the tanks? This is a common process on doing a job as you describe
 
As far as I can tell, your pictures are rotated 90° counter clockwise. The structural fibreglass you want to remove are holding up the floor above them. You can remove them temporarily so long as you provide something to temporarily support the floor. Up to you whether that is done simply or more complicated. support could even come from the attachment of the settee above, if that is available. After re-installing the new, re-install a similar support and BYU.
 
Yes, to me it looks like the floor support beams. Which are structure for the deck but not that difficult to repair. Just put back some structure that will be at least as strong.
 
motion30 said:
Why not just cut the tanks? This is a common process on doing a job as you describe
Click to expand...


I do not feel comfortable cutting gas tanks. I would probably have no problem if it were diesel.

Chris
 
koliver said:
As far as I can tell, your pictures are rotated 90° counter clockwise. The structural fibreglass you want to remove are holding up the floor above them. You can remove them temporarily so long as you provide something to temporarily support the floor. Up to you whether that is done simply or more complicated. support could even come from the attachment of the settee above, if that is available. After re-installing the new, re-install a similar support and BYU.
Click to expand...

My plan is to fix those after the tank is out and before the new one goes in. The replacement tank is not going to be as tall and installing it with those support beam in place will not be an issue.
 
Does anyone know if there is wood under that glass or is it straight glass?
 
trihartsfield said:
I do not feel comfortable cutting gas tanks. I would probably have no problem if it were diesel.

Chris
Click to expand...

Cutting tanks is not an issue, drain and fill with water, flush em a few times if it makes you feel better but cut full, you'll be fine. I have cut numerous tanks after filling with water and am still here to talk about it =)
 
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