171 fuel tank questions

[oceantrav]

Have a 1989 171. Don't know the history on the tank. Currently the bilge smells like gas, and has some in there. So one could only assume that the tank is leaking to some degree, right?

Question, is it safe to operate?

Second, what is entailed in replacing the fuel tank of this boat? About how much would I be looking at to have someone replace the fuel tank?

thank-

[cgmiller]

something is leaking..the tank, fill line, vent line...safe...bilge pump could catch boat on fire...probably cost $1000 to have someone do it...

[oceantrav]

Only had the boat a month or so. Last time we used it I had the Marina it fill it up all the way, hoping its just a line or something.

When dealing with fuel stuff, do must mechanics deal with tanks and stuff? Hoping I can drop it off at my guy monday that does my engine work on boats and is quick and cheap.

[oceantrav]

My guy took a look at the boat today. He said the tank is bad, and we need to replace it, along with fuel lines etc. he wasnt sure on the price and didnt want to quote me, since it involves pulling the console, then having a separate shop build a custom tank. Said could be as much as $2000. Luckily I like the guy, and have some trust with him so gave him the go ahead.

Any other things I should ask about/have him do while hes doing this?

Should have a pretty solid boat after this

[Megalops]

I replaced my tank myself about a year and a half ago.

I know you didnt ask for a price breakdown but thought Id share.

The tank was about $400

Coal tar epoxy was $80

Hoses and clamps about $150

2- part foam about $60

So all told about $600 for parts.

I would think a pro could get it done in 4-6 hours.

Ill assume labor at about $100/hr.

If they have to cut the coffin out due to fuel soaked foam, I would have them check the center stringer for any issues. Hopefully they dont have to do that because I would imagine it would be pretty expensive.

Good luck and please let us know how it goes.

[oceantrav]

Thanks for the info, ill keep y'all posted.

So far from this site I saw some people recommend Speedy Tanks. I called them and they said theres 3 different tank sizes that came in 171's that year, and that its probaly the 36 gallon, and cost would be $485 for a 40x24x9 tank plus $96 for shipping. Going to check out some local places too. Living in florida, I have lots of options.

My guy was guessing anywhere from $400-$1000 for a tank depending on size. So first place was less than $600 with a pretty quick turnaround, so thats a plus.

[Megalops]

40 x 24 x 9 was the size of mine.

I had it made by C.L. Mattson in Tampa.

They did a very good job.

[Megalops]

Correction on the price I said I paid for my tank.

I upgraded to a Wema fuel sender and the price was about $500, not $400.

[oceantrav]

quote:

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Originally posted by Megalops


Correction on the price I said I paid for my tank.

I upgraded to a Wema fuel sender and the price was about $500, not $400.

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Just shot them a request for a quote. How long did it take for them to build the tank?

What is a wema fuel sender? Do the tanks come with a basic one?

[Megalops]

It took about 3 weeks, if I remember correctly, but I wasnt in a big hurry.

Robin is a very nice and helpful lady.

The Wema sender is a better sender/more accurate than the old float type ones.

[Megalops]

And yes, the tank comes with the basic type of sender, Moeller I think.

[oceantrav]

CL mattson just quoted me $588 plus tax, with a 240/33 ohm remote read swing arm type sending unit, what ever that means lol

[keyman]

The basic float sender is avariable resistor type. The float/sender varies the resistance from 240 Ohms to 33 Ohms based on the fuel level which sends the signal to the fuel gauge which reads between full to empty.

[Megalops]

I guess aluminum prices went up?

Was the Speedy Tank price with tax?

[oceantrav]

quote:

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Originally posted by Megalops


I guess aluminum prices went up?

Was the Speedy Tank price with tax?

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Speedy was $485, plus $45 for sending unit, plus $96 for shipping. total $625.

Quality T-Tops in Tarpon $570 with sending unit, week to build.

CL Matson in $588 with sending unit, several weeks to build.

Not sure if Id be charged tax with speedy or not since its out of state. Since I live in Tarpon, and Quality T-Tops is the cheapest, will be going with them I think since its the quickest and local.

Talked to my guy and he got the tank out this morning, going to go grab it and drop it off at Quality T-Tops and hopefully get her all back to gether before christmas!