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Outrage 18' fuel tank
Quito	#1  Posted on 08/17/07 - 4:46 PM
Member Posts: 6 Comments: 0 Joined: 05/19/07	Hello, I've removed my aluminum gas tank from my Outrage, to repair some holes "accidently" drilled by its previous owner (they are on top of the tank). My question, is it ok to use a layer of fiberglass to wrap the tank? The tank has 6 holes, the largest barely reaching half an inch. Does anyone have any suggestions of another technique? Oh, another thing, what is the purpose of the string coming from the front of the boat, under the floor (starboard side)? Thanks again, Quito Puerto Rico
Joe Kriz	#2  Posted on 08/17/07 - 4:57 PM
Site Owner Personal Page Personal Album Photo Albums Project Albums Posts: 11447 Comments: 452 Joined: 03/18/05	Quito, 1. I know you are not asking this but here is my opinion. If I went through all the work to remove ANY fuel tank, I would put a Brand New one back in..... Then you know you are good to go for many years... 2. The string is a pull rope for pulling other wires through. When I use the pull string to pull something thru, I always pull another string so I can leave it in there for next time. I always have a couple of spare pull ropes in my tool box.
Quito	#3  Posted on 08/17/07 - 5:18 PM
Member Posts: 6 Comments: 0 Joined: 05/19/07	Thanks, Now I can tell every single person that asks me about the string what it is for! About the fuel tank, I would have done the same (install a new tank), but my budget went over what I had planned, and I have to go the "way of repiarin'". I'm using the fiberglass, just cheching if someone had done it any other way... Thanks again, Quito
WhalerDan	#4  Posted on 08/18/07 - 9:25 AM
Member Personal Page Posts: 245 Comments: 1 Joined: 11/13/05	I thought the string was connected to an absorbent insert designed to soak up any water in the hull.
petemarkey	#5  Posted on 08/19/07 - 7:03 AM
Member Personal Page Project Albums Posts: 31 Comments: 0 Joined: 04/22/07	I pulled my tank too, and was thinking about coating it with epoxy because it is started to pit. How much do new tanks go for in similar size? I'm on a budget too, but I think Joe might be right.
petemarkey	#6  Posted on 08/19/07 - 7:13 AM
Member Personal Page Project Albums Posts: 31 Comments: 0 Joined: 04/22/07	also, why is the tank not centered? .
joninnj	#7  Posted on 08/19/07 - 8:00 AM
Member Personal Page Posts: 408 Comments: 3 Joined: 06/07/07	Quito wrote: Thanks, Now I can tell every single person that asks me about the string what it is for! About the fuel tank, I would have done the same (install a new tank), but my budget went over what I had planned, and I have to go the "way of repiarin'". I'm using the fiberglass, just cheching if someone had done it any other way... Thanks again, Quito I would really consider repairing with an aluminum weld product. Doesn’t need to look pretty. Standard fiberglass is susceptible to degrade from ethanol, the stuff used in most gasoline today. Probably also used down by you. After short time you may in the situation with the tank. I also agree with Joe, if possible get a new tank. The tempo plastic one’s are not that expensive. Jon in NJ Many other boats and outboards in my boating history The Whaler is the one I like the best!!!
Joe Kriz	#8  Posted on 08/19/07 - 10:31 AM
Site Owner Personal Page Personal Album Photo Albums Project Albums Posts: 11447 Comments: 452 Joined: 03/18/05	The Outrage 18' had metal tank made by Florida Marine.... http://www.whalercentral.com/weblinks...p?cat_id=7
Buckda	#9  Posted on 08/20/07 - 11:45 AM
Member Personal Page Posts: 325 Comments: 2 Joined: 01/15/07	My guess re: the tank is not centered - I think this is to counteract prop torque. The tank is slightly offset to balance the boat at speed. When I had my floor out two winters ago, I briefly entertained the idea of removing the tank, and excavating the cavity and re-glassing so I could add another 25-30 gallons of fuel capacity with a custom tank...but worried about structural integrity and reserve bouyancy.... Do you have the tank OUT of the boat? It isn't clear if you do or not. If you do, you need to completely drain the tank and rinse it out...get it completely clean and see if you can find a welder who will patch the holes with aluminum plate rather than an epoxy fix....although I also recommend just replacing the tank. THird option is to use JB Weld or similar product...although I'd call the maker of any epoxy to ask about the properties of the product and resistance to alcohol/ethanol. Remember the lessons from Boston's Big Dig: Not all epoxies are created equally - you need one with the right properties for your situation..not one that will work for awhile and cause major problems down the road. Believe me - you've come this far, it will be a PAIN to close everything up and have to re-pull the lid next year. Good luck. Dave