Fuel tank removal on F32

Engines, Drive trains, Propellers, Steering, Ground Tackle and other mechanical system
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Kommy000
Posts: 23
Joined: Sun Aug 05, 2018 8:45 pm

Fuel tank removal on F32

Post by Kommy000 »

So I'm the process of removing diesel tank and engine to switch over to electric propulsion on my 1984 Freedom 32.
I thought I would be able to remove my fuel tank intact but I'm running into issues.
Tank is foamed in and I did my best to remove most of the foam but it is pretty tight on the other 3 sides.
I pumped all the fuel out and tank is not even moving at all, even after removing foam on one side.
I was thinking at this point cutting it into pieces but researching it online, sounds like there is a pretty good chance of me becoming a suicide bomber unless I clean the tank out completely and pump CO2 gas or some other stuff. It was pain in the neck just to get 30 gallons of diesel and dispose of it plus I'm on the water in the marina liveaboard.
So I'm thinking me cutting it into pieces is out of question at this point.
Anyone have any advice on how to proceed? Now I'm thinking of cutting and removing seating area on two sides of the tank to be able to get under the tank and other two sides. Maybe it's glued or strapped on those sides?
Thank you for any advice you can provide. I'm attaching two pictures of the tank.
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rvivian
Posts: 210
Joined: Sun Feb 21, 2010 2:08 pm

Re: Fuel tank removal on F32

Post by rvivian »

Diesel is not gasoline. Why not just fill the tank with water if you are concerned and cut the tank out?
Heart's Desire
Freedom 30
Shelton, WA

katorpus
Posts: 146
Joined: Thu Dec 04, 2008 10:51 pm

Re: Fuel tank removal on F32

Post by katorpus »

Get one of those powered "nibblers" that cuts a strip out of the middle as it goes along.

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gulfcoastsailor
Posts: 73
Joined: Sun Mar 09, 2014 2:43 pm

Re: Fuel tank removal on F32

Post by gulfcoastsailor »

Why not just cut the top off and use it for "hidden" storage. The cutout could be trimmed out to appear to be still intact. In my mind, I am picturing a kitchen sink rim from the old days. Anyone looking under the cushion would just see a tank with lines. But, inside you could hide virtually anything that would fit. For example, passports or other documents. Even a slingshot or comparable safety item. ;) A good location for a 'ditch' bag as well.

Good luck!
Chip

"Encore"
Freedom 32
1985 #72

Kommy000
Posts: 23
Joined: Sun Aug 05, 2018 8:45 pm

Re: Fuel tank removal on F32

Post by Kommy000 »

Well I was finally able to remove it.
In case if anyone thinking of doing the same thing, I ended up cutting up the seating area to get it out, it was stuck with foam really well.
I also ended up using jigsaw with metal blades and slice the top off the tank and then cut the tank into pieces .
I ended up leaving most of the foam on the bottom and enclosed it and then glassed it in to create space for LifePo4 battery bank 48v by 280ah
So far so good, now thinking of maybe making that section removable like the seating area over the engine access.
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Grimsby_Alan
Posts: 89
Joined: Wed Oct 26, 2016 12:42 pm

Re: Fuel tank removal on F32

Post by Grimsby_Alan »

I’m in the process of doing the conversion as well. My tank looks like it has been removed and reseated at some point. I can get to the new foam on 3 sides but the 4th looks to be tricky. Just curious….. besides emptying the tank, did you do anything else before cutting it up? Did you have any issues with sparks etc.?
Also would you have any photos of the final installation?
Thanks
1984 F32 Hoyt hull #41
Port Dalhousie, Ontario

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