Access to aft fuel tank

[Jasper]

Hi,
Can anyone let me know how to get access to the AFT fuel tank on a 53 convertible?
From following the lines on my boat it looks like it feed the mid tank but does not have it's own access to the fuel manifold.
I am asking because after all the ups and downs of the last weeks, I think I will have to get the 3 large tanks cleaned:FWD, MID, AFT.

 

[Cricket]

Do you need to clean the fuel or get in and try to clean the tanks? We cut holes and added 10 inch plates to get access to clean the tanks, ended up covering the aft deck plate when we put a teak deck in. For the mezzzanine install we had to move the aft tank fuel lines and fill so we cut a hatch to get better access to the 2 aft tank fuel plates in my 50c, which is basically the same as the older 53c's. Luckily we were able to cut the teak deck without messing it up and now have a small hatch and ended up looking fine. You should be able to get to where the hose fittings connect to the plate from the sides, not exactly easy. That boat had a lot of modifications so you may have a different setup. Also, we replaced all of the gasketing for the fuel tank plates because they were starting to leak. Fun having an old boat.

 

[Jasper]

Do you need to clean the fuel or get in and try to clean the tanks? We cut holes and added 10 inch plates to get access to clean the tanks, ended up covering the aft deck plate when we put a teak deck in. For the mezzzanine install we had to move the aft tank fuel lines and fill so we cut a hatch to get better access to the 2 aft tank fuel plates in my 50c, which is basically the same as the older 53c's. Luckily we were able to cut the teak deck without messing it up and now have a small hatch and ended up looking fine. You should be able to get to where the hose fittings connect to the plate from the sides, not exactly easy. That boat had a lot of modifications so you may have a different setup. Also, we replaced all of the gasketing for the fuel tank plates because they were starting to leak. Fun having an old boat.

Thanks Cricket.
I have found the Mid fuel fill, which I can use to access the tank and I think the Aft only is used to fill the other tanks via the manifold because looking at the back of the ER, there are lines coming from the bottom of the rear bulkhead, into the Mid and other lines going elswhere, but no matter where I look I can't find an access point.
I think you are right, I will have to add an access hatch, but not this year, I'll wait till February and just not use the Aft tank.
As for Old Boats, well, on one hand I thoroughly enjoy all the learning and work..........ON THE OTHER HAND #@@%$$%#^$$#!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

 

[Tim Powell]

Jasper
I can not speak exactely to the 53c. But i can speak with some sence about the 45c my old 1986 45c. I had some of the same problems you have experienced. There was a large nut approximately 3 inches across which was in the tank if i remember correctely It may have housed the fuel gage.
I hired a guy to clean the fuel and wash the tanks. He had a (T) handle about 3 foot long with handle sbout 14 inches across. It had a socket welded on the end that sucker took it right off. He ran the fuel through a set of filters looked like racors all hooked together about 3 to 4 of them. When the fuel was pumped out he stuck a long spring looking gadget into the tank. Got a bunch of black junk out he called algie. Then he added about 20 gallons of fuel and pumped it out it look like used motor oil black and a little thick. He suggested use the stuff from the parts house that kills or delutes the algie. I began using a cap full with each fill up. Never had a problem again.
I was on my 52 today i did not look at the stern tank but i do remember looking at the forward tank. I belive it had the same set up.
In short Maybee you can remove the fuel sending unit and do your work needed.
Good luck thats my experience hope it helped

Tim

 

[Jasper]

Do you need to clean the fuel or get in and try to clean the tanks? We cut holes and added 10 inch plates to get access to clean the tanks, ended up covering the aft deck plate when we put a teak deck in. For the mezzzanine install we had to move the aft tank fuel lines and fill so we cut a hatch to get better access to the 2 aft tank fuel plates in my 50c, which is basically the same as the older 53c's. Luckily we were able to cut the teak deck without messing it up and now have a small hatch and ended up looking fine. You should be able to get to where the hose fittings connect to the plate from the sides, not exactly easy. That boat had a lot of modifications so you may have a different setup. Also, we replaced all of the gasketing for the fuel tank plates because they were starting to leak. Fun having an old boat.

Hi Cricket and Tim,
I spent 20 minutes the ER following hoses and thought I found the ones going to the AFT tank. Thing with my AFT tank, you can feed the other tanks from it, but cannot run the engines from it.
Anyway, taking your advice, I was in the lazerette, rope lockers etc. and all I found was where the hoses came out the ER and into forward/mid-section of the cockpit. This was directly where the step to the saloon is. Luckily it is used as a storage area. So I measured where I hoped I would miss the fuel fill hose and took a gamble, lifted the step, drilling a search and see hole.
Long story short: Made 3 "careful" drill holes into the deck (under the step) and got half lucky.
Just "nicked 2 hoses!" but found the fuel fill on the first go.
Trouble was the fill hose was literally stuck to the bottom of the marine ply. The ply was at least 2" thick, maybe more. Could only use a jig saw part the way and an angle grinder VERY carefully. Took me a while but the result is good, except for the nicks on the 2 hoses.
So I have good access to the AFT tank now, in fact the best of all the tanks!
Now I am waiting for the quotes to treat the fuel chemically, or clean them out then use the chemical. The additive I will use disintegrates the algae, instead of killing it and blocking the filters.
BTW it’s not good looking, YET, I’ll sand it all back when I get the chance.
HOPE the 2 hoses don’t leak!
Thanks to you both for all the support.
George

 

[Jasper]

Jasper
I can not speak exactely to the 53c. But i can speak with some sence about the 45c my old 1986 45c. I had some of the same problems you have experienced. There was a large nut approximately 3 inches across which was in the tank if i remember correctely It may have housed the fuel gage.
I hired a guy to clean the fuel and wash the tanks. He had a (T) handle about 3 foot long with handle sbout 14 inches across. It had a socket welded on the end that sucker took it right off. He ran the fuel through a set of filters looked like racors all hooked together about 3 to 4 of them. When the fuel was pumped out he stuck a long spring looking gadget into the tank. Got a bunch of black junk out he called algie. Then he added about 20 gallons of fuel and pumped it out it look like used motor oil black and a little thick. He suggested use the stuff from the parts house that kills or delutes the algie. I began using a cap full with each fill up. Never had a problem again.
I was on my 52 today i did not look at the stern tank but i do remember looking at the forward tank. I belive it had the same set up.
In short Maybee you can remove the fuel sending unit and do your work needed.
Good luck thats my experience hope it helped

Tim

Hi Mate,
Thanks for the advice. The post above is to you and Cricket. Hopefully, the tank clean won't be too expensive!
All the best and I will keep you posted!
Bye,
George

 

[Tim Powell]

Hi Mate,
Thanks for the advice. The post above is to you and Cricket. Hopefully, the tank clean won't be too expensive!
All the best and I will keep you posted!
Bye,
George

Keep a eye on the cleaning and let me know how it goes Be very interesting as to how they clean there Tim

 

[Cricket]

Jasper, tank looks like a welded aluminum tank, not a Hatteras fiberglass fuel tank. Do you know how much it holds?

 

[Jasper]

Jasper, tank looks like a welded aluminum tank, not a Hatteras fiberglass fuel tank. Do you know how much it holds?

Good pick up Cricket! I never thought about that.
This is the biggest tank and holds 1700 litres or 450 Gallons!
I would say that this was part of the major re-build that was done at Merritt's. What a shame they did not think to add an inspection cover!

Any major issues about having an alu tank?
Cheers.

 

[bobk]

Jasper, Is this the 53 that was in Port St Lucie or Stuart? If so,Bob Downey was the guy who cared for the boat. You might call him for info, or Merritt. Bob's number is 772-485-4292

Bobk

 

[Tim Powell]

Good pick up Cricket! I never thought about that.
This is the biggest tank and holds 1700 litres or 450 Gallons!
I would say that this was part of the major re-build that was done at Merritt's. What a shame they did not think to add an inspection cover!

Any major issues about having an alu tank?
Cheers.

Jasper
Small pin holes that will drive you crazy but in time it will be a while. Some people say they sweat causing condensation. I had a 31 Bertram a real pice of $^%#@ it had alum tanks had water problems all the time. Finally had to install watter separation filters Half fixed it. A glad day when that thing left from my ownership. It was a mini sub.
After the tanks are cleaned be sure to keep a eye on the fuel filters loose stuff will move around and get cought in the filters.
I am sure sorry you are having problems especially just at the begining of your fishing season.
It is just boating! Tim

 

[Jasper]

Jasper, Is this the 53 that was in Port St Lucie or Stuart? If so,Bob Downey was the guy who cared for the boat. You might call him for info, or Merritt. Bob's number is 772-485-4292

Bobk

Thanks a lot Bobk,
It amazes me just how much you guys in the "Hatteras World" know each boat and thier history.
I am in contact with Bob Downey and he is a lot of help. Unfortunately I couldn't reach him before I did the cutting of the deck to find the AFT tank, but since then he has helped. Worked out fine.
Cheers,
George

 

[Jasper]

Jasper
Small pin holes that will drive you crazy but in time it will be a while. Some people say they sweat causing condensation. I had a 31 Bertram a real pice of $^%#@ it had alum tanks had water problems all the time. Finally had to install watter separation filters Half fixed it. A glad day when that thing left from my ownership. It was a mini sub.
After the tanks are cleaned be sure to keep a eye on the fuel filters loose stuff will move around and get cought in the filters.
I am sure sorry you are having problems especially just at the begining of your fishing season.
It is just boating! Tim

Hi Tim,
Just heard the same thing about the Alu tank from another boating friend! I reckon it is a 12 year old tank that has not seen much use, seeing as the boat was up on the hard for years. I have some guys coming to take samples etc. on Friday, then they will give me the news on $'s and we clean the darn tanks!
As for the fishing season, that is why I am doing all this now. Plus as a family we always head off to an island and bay area called Tangalooma for a holiday before Christmas. this year will be our first boat holiday for a year as a family, so doing my best to have it all sorted!
I am positive......so far!
Thanks Mate.
George

 

[Tim Powell]

Hi Tim,
Just heard the same thing about the Alu tank from another boating friend! I reckon it is a 12 year old tank that has not seen much use, seeing as the boat was up on the hard for years. I have some guys coming to take samples etc. on Friday, then they will give me the news on $'s and we clean the darn tanks!
As for the fishing season, that is why I am doing all this now. Plus as a family we always head off to an island and bay area called Tangalooma for a holiday before Christmas. this year will be our first boat holiday for a year as a family, so doing my best to have it all sorted!
I am positive......so far!
Thanks Mate.
George

You are taking it well so far but now i knowy why family trip all worth it Tim