Fuel leak XS540

[limeydal]

Originally Posted by mikew4

Good job !

I can't help thinking that you should have had old tank repaired or replaced with like for like from XS Ribs or alternative supplier though.

Have you inspected old tank for source of leak and assessed it yet?

Mike,
thought it carefully over and did really want to get a custom welded tank the same size. But thought over the last 10 years and never needed that sort of range. ( I do photography/ fishing /fun, in the Bay and close inshore.) I don't really need that size tank, as 6 miles south and I am in Mexico (No, don't want to go there ! ) and next step north is Los Angeles (again, that's a no ! ) Ok maybe go see the Queen Mary !
That's one drawback here, that we have a pretty featureless coast in these parts. Not like the nooks and crannies I had when I lived in Devon!
So as long as I get it back together and looking somewhat decent, I will be happy !
cheers Dal

[limeydal]

Tank installed, as per manufacturer's instructions. Used industrial neoprene pad and strips to cushion tank and allow for expansion. Rigged up hold down "strap"out of some threaded rod .
Found out the fuel fill was 1-1/2" not 2" , so have to modify or get a new fuel fill fitting

cheers Dal

[jeffstevens763@g]

Looks well Dal how are you going to reinstall the cut out make it a hatch door or fully glass in ?

[mikew4]

Originally Posted by jeffstevens763@g

Looks well Dal how are you going to reinstall the cut out make it a hatch door or fully glass in ?

Hopefully the cut out is in 1 or 2 pieces so an easy job to glass back in?

[limeydal]

Yes, it's in two pieces, to make it easier to glass in.
I do have an existing hatch in the other side, and I am putting another in this side (to make it easier)
I found it tricky, holding the panels to line them up, (as they were flexing)
Found the best way , was to use a very small bolts, with two fender washers.
Hand snug these up and adjust the panel until prefect. then tighten them up. Brings the two panels together dead on !
I glassed the panels back in today and when dry, removed the bolt and outside washer. (inside washer left in place as it strengthens the gap, as its glassed in)

Just considering what to do with the seam?
Thinking of some kind of flexible paint like a textured deck paint.
Or maybe adhesive striping?
Think paint on it's own would crack !
Any ideas ?

cheers Dal

[jeffstevens763@g]

a nice silicon bead?

[mikew4]

Cover the seam with waterproof coloured LED down lighters mounted in an extruded housing. Use the multi coloured LED that comes on a strip, and a remote control that allows you to select any colour of the rainbow or constant or flashing etc.

The extruded housing will cover the seam. Sikaflex / screw it on. LEDs are on self adhesive strip.

Sounds expensive but this kind of thing is cheap as chips.

I have some in my motorhome and will be fitting some to my RIB at some point.

[limeydal]

Found some 2" marine grade black detailing tape that may look good!
Or maybe these?

https://www.amazon.com/X50-waterproo...+striping+tape

https://www.amazon.com/Industrial-Ho...+striping+tape

[mikew4]

If you are going down that routwe, maybe port / starboard coloured reflective tape?

[limeydal]

Decided to go with just a black stripe to cover the cut line !
Re-installed the fittings and ready for cleanup.

Just need to re-do the deck paint and should be ready to go !

Not saying as good as complete removal ,but not bad for those of us who don't have all the mechanical skills to disconnect everything !

cheers Dal

[limeydal]

Just brushed on a coat of "Kiwigrip" on the deck and textured with the roller they provide. Looking smart !
Have to wait a few days to harden up and will be ready for the water !

[jeffstevens763@g]

looks neat enough as you say it's a compromise

[limeydal]

First run out last week and no issues.
Another advantage is, I can now open the port hatch and visually check the gas level in the " see through " tank !
cheers Dal

[jeffstevens763@g]

Originally Posted by limeydal

First run out last week and no issues.
Another advantage is, I can now open the port hatch and visually check the gas level in the " see through " tank !
cheers Dal

Good result Dal enjoy