1988 Wellcraft Fisherman Gas Tank Replacement

[chackett]

Hi All,

Hopefully this is the right place to post a question like this.

I want to replace the gas tank in my 1988 Wellcraft Fisherman and and having a little difficulty finding a replacement tank. I think the problem is that I just don't know what I need exactly. I called iBoats to see if they could assist, but they need more information from me before they can help. Specifically they need the dimensions for the existing tank, which is still in the hull.

Can anyone recommend a replacement tank for this boat? It's a 1988 Wellcraft Fisherman (20' I believe).

I'll be eternally grateful for any threads you might be able to point be toward that could give any account of others doing this job.

Thanks!
Chris

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1988 Wellcraft Fisherman Gas Tank Replacement

Hi All,

Hopefully this is the right place to post a question like this.

I want to replace the gas tank in my 1988 Wellcraft Fisherman and and having a little difficulty finding a replacement tank. I think the problem is that I just don't know what I need exactly. I called iBoats to see if they could assist, but they need more information from me before they can help. Specifically they need the dimensions for the existing tank, which is still in the hull.

Can anyone recommend a replacement tank for this boat? It's a 1988 Wellcraft Fisherman (20' I believe).

I'll be eternally grateful for any threads you might be able to point be toward that could give any account of others doing this job.

Thanks!
Chris

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard Chackett,.....

You get to choose 1 forum to post yer question in,... Not 2 forums.... postin' in 2 creates alota confusion...
I'm gonna delete the 1 ya posted in the General Boatin' forum, as it fits Better down here in the dry-dock....

My guess is, ya gotta just cut out the deck, 'n pull the old tank to get yer measurements...
I'd go back with Plastic,... It seems to hold up Better than any other materials...

 

[chackett]

Re: 1988 Wellcraft Fisherman Gas Tank Replacement

Thanks!

I am in Atlanta and the boat is in Bluffton, SC with my dad. I am hoping I can figure out as much as possible so I can just take one trip down there and help him get this job done.

I didn't see anything in the forum rules about posting links to other forums, but here is a helpful thread that others looking for similar information might find useful:

http://www.wellcraftv20.com/community/showthread.php?t=7604

I hate to be such a simpleton, but I'm hoping someone will say "I have the same boat and did the same job, here's a link to the tank I ordered, and it fit like a glove." Have I been sniffing too many fumes?

 

[R Socey]

Re: 1988 Wellcraft Fisherman Gas Tank Replacement

I have a 1982 ( I thought was an 83 ) Wellcraft 248 fisherman. I completely removed the aluminum fuel tank: I had to take my console out to take the floor out to cut away the plywood straps to take the tank out - I don't know about you'rs, but it is a consideration.

 

[chackett]

Re: 1988 Wellcraft Fisherman Gas Tank Replacement

I have a 1982 ( I thought was an 83 ) Wellcraft 248 fisherman. I completely removed the aluminum fuel tank: I had to take my console out to take the floor out to cut away the plywood straps to take the tank out - I don't know about you'rs, but it is a consideration.

That sounds like a substantial project. I've never removed the console or the floor. I'm not generally shy about projects like this, but that makes me a tad nervous. It's also hard for me to gauge the project with the boat 300 miles away. I wish I could just walk out and size up the scope of the project.

Thanks for the information though. I really appreciate it.

Chris

 

[Lou C]

Re: 1988 Wellcraft Fisherman Gas Tank Replacement

You could try e-mailing Wellcraft, they may have records as to who was the supplier of the tank, and if you contact the supplier, they may have records or plans for the tank used in that boat. There are so many variations in boats, tanks, mounting etc that without either taking it apart, or getting information from the manufacturer, you just guessing.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: 1988 Wellcraft Fisherman Gas Tank Replacement

well I was gonna suggest the wellcraftv20 site but I see you've already been there..... There are folks there that can likely help you with dimensions BUT you are gonna have to come to the realization that this is not a one weekend job.... you need to remove the console including takint the wiring and cables loose. there may be some cutting involved. The n you get to take a circular saw to the floor and cut a hole.... unless you can determine EXACTLY where to cut before starting, start small and work up to final size.... Next it pull the tank (could take hours of HARD work if it's foamed in) and order the replacement.... Then it's time to look for any other issues while in there. Finally you get to put in and determine how to mount the new tank, glass a floor patch in, replace the console, and rerig. This isn't impossible but you won't be doing this saturday and fishing sunday.

 

[R Socey]

Re: 1988 Wellcraft Fisherman Gas Tank Replacement

Out of couriosity: why do you want to replace the tank. I'm sure you have heard the term " if it an't broke, don't fix it"

 

[awthacker]

Re: 1988 Wellcraft Fisherman Gas Tank Replacement

Out of couriosity: why do you want to replace the tank. I'm sure you have heard the term " if it an't broke, don't fix it"

The aluminum tanks that Wellcraft foamed into place are often corroded due to moisture being held against the tank over time. Mine was significantly pitted and the foam around it was saturated with gas/oil mix. I've pulled mine, but haven't ordered the replacement yet. The quotes I've gotten for a custom tank are between $650-800 (plus shipping). I'm still trying to make sure there are no surplus warehouses holding a similar size tank before I have one custom built. Just ran across this thread while doing some more searching. I have the dimensions for my tank available, but can't be sure yours is the same. I have an '82 cuddy with a 26" x 60", 60 gallon tank.