ragin cajun
Senior Member
Just got bit by the weeping black iron saddle tank snake! Over Memorial weekend went down to check fluid levels and low and behold red liquid in my center bilge.....about 15 gallons worth. This happened over a week's period of time. Thank God my bilge pump didn't kick on.
Moved it to marine repair and hauled it out. I have port and starboard saddle tanks, 150 gallons each. The engines are 3208TA 375hp each. There is about 4 inches of room between outboard side of engine and tank. The mechanics are basically giving me 2 options. One is to partially disassemble motor, pick it up and move it over to center of bilge. The other option is to cut out side of boat from the outside, replace tank, re-fiberglass exterior then paint with awlgrip. Operator of services wants option two, cut out the side of boat.
I do have respect for this marina, been in business for 70 years, have done all my work for the past 2 years with not one invoice over what was quoted. They have done this procedure many, many times with excellent results. I just have a big problem cutting into a good hull along with that nagging feeling that I have compromised the hull strength.
Trying to repair tank with epoxy/welding to me is not going to happen nor do they recommend that avenue. So, if it is your boat, what direction would you might take? Thanks guys/gals
Moved it to marine repair and hauled it out. I have port and starboard saddle tanks, 150 gallons each. The engines are 3208TA 375hp each. There is about 4 inches of room between outboard side of engine and tank. The mechanics are basically giving me 2 options. One is to partially disassemble motor, pick it up and move it over to center of bilge. The other option is to cut out side of boat from the outside, replace tank, re-fiberglass exterior then paint with awlgrip. Operator of services wants option two, cut out the side of boat.
I do have respect for this marina, been in business for 70 years, have done all my work for the past 2 years with not one invoice over what was quoted. They have done this procedure many, many times with excellent results. I just have a big problem cutting into a good hull along with that nagging feeling that I have compromised the hull strength.
Trying to repair tank with epoxy/welding to me is not going to happen nor do they recommend that avenue. So, if it is your boat, what direction would you might take? Thanks guys/gals
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