new tanks

[freddy063]

It's that time for the 1994 Sailfish to have the fuel tanks replaced. I'm debating putting in two 110 gallon tanks over the original 150 &70 gallon tanks. With two being the same size I figure it will be easier to install and just better overall. What is everyone thoughts on that?

 

[DennisG01]

In many Grady's, there's a bulkhead between the two tanks - creating one large and one small coffin for each tank. Is this not the case in your boat?

 

[Hookup1]

As Dennis said there is a bulkhead between the forward and aft tank that has to be removed. May have to cut the step to get it out. Look at my 268 Islander tank replacement project post. Islander is a narrow beam Sailfish.

Thread '268 Islander Fuel Tank Replacement'

Jul 10, 2023

Decided that this is the year to replace my 25 yo fuel tanks. No leaks. I plan to keep the boat. I'll document the process here.

Pulled the hatch. This hatch was rebuilt a few years ago with Coosa board. Looks good and feels solid. Hatch was set with 3M 4000 - kept everything sealed. Some difficulty cutting with blade to get it up. Not sure what it will go down with. Deck ports were caulked in from the underside as well. Kept the tanks dry.



I also put plastic over the fill, sending unit and pickup. This deflects any water away from the busy area of the tank.

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• Hookup1
• Replies: 70
• Forum: Tips, Modifications and Electronics

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[freddy063]

In many Grady's, there's a bulkhead between the two tanks - creating one large and one small coffin for each tank. Is this not the case in your boat?

One big space all open.

 

[DennisG01]

Oh, well that makes it really easy! That's a LOT better access than most boats

I think either way is fine - plenty of boats have identical tanks so it's not like it's "out of the norm".

I guess the question is whether you like have that built-in "warning" that it's time to head back if you're far from shore by having the reserve tank.

In "my" opinion... If I ran identical tanks, I would plumb each engine to it's own tank. But I'd have a crossover in case one engine went down so the good engine can draw from either tank.

Another thought... why not have just one, extra large tank? It would be less expensive to make - but is there a downside? Granted, a little more cumbersome to install.

Another another thought... Moeller (and maybe others) makes large plastic fuel tanks. If you can find one (or two) of those that give you the capacity you want, I would do plastic in a heartbeat (as long the difference in price wasn't super crazy).

Anyways, those are just some thoughts!

 

[Hookup1]

One large aluminum tank would have to be shortened to "drop in".

With two tanks I would keep fuel valves the same. It's just a little more hose.

You can see what happed to your old neoprene adhered with self-stick adhesive. Fell off, moved around and trapped moisture between strips and tank.

If you do go aluminum be sure to insulate the tank with neoprene strips attached with 3M 4000. Including tank ends and mounting blocks. You can see what happed to your old neoprene adhered with self-stick adhesive. Fell off, moved around and trapped moisture between strips and tank.