Posted by Kirk Finch (capnkirk4@…>)
Almost since I have owned my 39PHS (1985)I have had a
fuel tank leak in both tanks. It has now become
severe (could be a seam leak). I am probably going to
have to have both tanks replaced (aluminum I guess),
which would mean tearing out the main salon and
battery box. Any suggestions? I would like to have it
done in the Annapolis, MD area but don’t know any
qualified vendors.
I have Groco heads, which have had to be rebuilt in
some fashion or another every year since they have
been on board. To replace them, I cannot get to the
underside of the forward head to install a Raritan
PHII. Any thoughts? Help! Thank you. Kirk Finch (410-647-5021)
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Posted by katorpus (katorpus@…>)
Can’t help with the where and who on the fuel tanks. I do know that
external corrosion in the aluminum tanks can be a problem (it is
with my water tanks). They are generally bedded in expanding foam,
and water trapped against the tank will eventually lead to a hole,
so beware. (This happened in my water tank at the point at which it
was CLOSEST to the hull and where there was minimal foam)
As for the heads… I assume (always dangerous) that your access is
limited by a molded liner installed when the boat was built. If it’s
like my F40 Cat Ketch, the head sits on a “raised” portion of this
liner with the shower pan & grate below. Raising it gives the
appropriate “throne height” while seated. My suggestion is as
follows:
Get a jig saw with “swivel-able” blade (you unlock the head and hold
the knob with one hand and the body of the saw with the other,
enabling you to cut in tight areas where the body of the saw would
otherwise get in the way) Craftsman makes one.
Cut an access hole in the vertical face of the fiberglass pan on
which the head sits. The hole will become the “cutout” for a flat
polished louvered stainless steel vent (from the marine supply
catalog…looks like a fancy air conditioning vent…available in
several sizes).
Sand the edges of the hole smooth (your forearms will thank you for
this). The vent will cover the hole and look like it belongs there.
Any little amount of water that splashes up while showering will run
into the bilge (it won’t be much)…or…you can “blank off” the
backside of the vent with a piece of flat plastic (a good idea if
you air condition the boat…otherwise you’ll be air conditioning
the bilge too). The vent is stout enough to withstand the occasional
inadvertent kick. The only caveat is that small toes can fit in
between the louvers with painful results.
I’ve installed these in all the underseat lockers and below the vee
berth to provide air circulation into these otherwise dead-air
spaces. Keeps things a lot nicer - mildew-wise.
I love my Lavac Head!! (Defender is the only U.S. source)