Rajan Wilcox
Removing the fuel tank from a boat can be a challenging task. While there are some variations depending on the boat model, the general process involves first removing the gas from the tank, then deciding whether to remove the engine and drive or cut through the deck to access the tank. In some cases, it may be necessary to cut through the deck to reach the tank, which can make the process more complex and time-consuming. It is important to take safety precautions when working with fuel and to have a good understanding of the boat's structure before beginning the removal process.
How to Remove Fuel Tank from Maxum Boat
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location of fuel tank | Fitted between the two main stringers, the same ones the engine mounts sit on |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 gallons |
| Steps to remove fuel tank | 1. Remove the gas from the tank. 2. Measure the tank and check if it can be removed through the engine hatch. 3. If the tank can fit through the hatch, remove the engine and drive to get the tank out. 4. If the tank cannot fit, cut the deck to expose the tank. 5. Cut as far inboard as possible from the corner of the engine hatch opening, ensuring the stringer is not inboard of the cut. |
| Cost of replacement | Close to 3000 USD |
| Time taken for replacement | 2 weeks |
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What You'll Learn
Remove gas from the tank
Removing gas from a fuel tank is a necessary step in boat maintenance, as it helps to prolong the life of your tank and ensures the engine runs smoothly. It is also important to know how to do this when removing a fuel tank, such as in the case of a leaking tank.
Firstly, you will need to ensure your boat is out of the water and in a dry, well-ventilated place. It is important to wear safety gear when removing gas from the tank. You will need to reduce the fuel level in the tank. A fuel level of less than 1/8 of a tank is a good range to aim for, so you may need to take the boat for a quick ride to burn some fuel.
There are several methods for removing gas from a fuel tank. One method is to use a manual pump. This is a good choice if you only need to drain the tank occasionally. You will need to purchase a manual pump, a fuel tank adapter, and a fuel hose. Attach the fuel hose to the adapter and then to the pump. Submerge the pump in the gas tank and it will siphon the gas out. The hose must be long enough to reach the bottom of the tank.
Another method is to use an electric pump, which is more efficient but pricier. You will need an extension cord and a suitable container to store the old fuel. An electric pump will siphon the fuel out of the tank.
You can also use an air compressor, which is another straightforward method. You will need an air compressor, a fuel tank adapter, and a fuel line. Connect the fuel line to the adapter and then to the air compressor. The pressure will force the fuel out of the tank.
If you are removing gas from a car fuel tank, you can try to find the drain plug, usually located near the bottom of the fuel tank. Use a wrench to loosen it and the fuel will drain out. You can also try to find a bolt head that isn't attached to a bracket and drain the tank through the hole.
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Measure the tank and check if it can be removed through the engine hatch
Before attempting to remove the fuel tank from your Maxum boat, it is important to first measure the tank and check if it can be removed through the engine hatch. This is a crucial step as it will determine the method of removal and help you avoid unnecessary complications. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through this process:
Locate the Fuel Tank:
Start by locating the fuel filler cap, which is typically found on the starboard aft rear corner of the deck. Follow the fuel filler hose from the cap to the tank. The hose goes forward beside the engine and turns inboard at the front, leading you to the fuel tank.
Measure the Fuel Tank:
Measuring the fuel tank can be challenging, especially if it is located under floorboards or in a confined space. You may need to remove certain components or access panels to get a clear view and take accurate measurements. Use a measuring tape or a suitable tool to measure the length, width, and height of the fuel tank. Make sure to consider the overall dimensions, including any protrusions or irregularities in its shape.
Check Engine Hatch Clearance:
Once you have the measurements of the fuel tank, compare them to the dimensions of the engine hatch. Consider the size and shape of the opening, as well as any obstructions or surrounding components. Visually assess if the fuel tank will fit through the hatch without causing damage or requiring excessive force.
Evaluate Alternative Removal Methods:
In many cases, it may not be possible to remove the fuel tank through the engine hatch due to size constraints or other factors. If the tank is surrounded by wet foam or other materials, it can be especially challenging to extract through the hatch. In such cases, alternative methods may be necessary, such as cutting the deck to expose the tank and performing fibreglass and gel-coat repairs afterward.
Plan the Removal Process:
After confirming that the fuel tank can be removed through the engine hatch, develop a plan for the removal process. This may include steps such as disconnecting fuel lines, hoses, and electrical connections, as well as removing any components that may obstruct the path of removal. Ensure you have the necessary tools and safety equipment before proceeding.
By carefully measuring the fuel tank and checking if it can be removed through the engine hatch, you can make informed decisions about the removal process and develop a safe and effective plan of action. Remember to refer to boat-specific resources and consult with marine mechanics or experts whenever needed.
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Cut the deck to expose the tank
If the fuel tank will not fit through the engine hatch, the deck will need to be cut to expose the tank. The fuel filler cap is on the starboard aft rear corner of the deck. Follow the fuel filler hose from the cap to the tank. If the hose disappears behind a bulkhead, you will need to cut the deck to get to the tank.
The tank is fitted between the two main stringers, the same ones the engine mounts sit on. It is probably surrounded by wet foam and could be tough to get out. The top of the tank will be just below the fuel filler hose, where it goes through the bulkhead.
The best place to cut will be as far inboard as possible from the corner of the engine hatch opening. Make sure the stringer is not inboard of the cut. It's nice to have extra room to work, but it's easier to repair a straight section of fibreglass than a curved one (if you were to cut into the corner).
The engine can be left in if well covered to protect it from fibreglass dust.
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Remove the engine and drive
To remove the engine and drive from a Maxum boat, you will need to first drain the fuel tank. This is an important step in boat maintenance as it helps prolong the life of your tank and keeps the engine running smoothly. It is recommended to have less than 1/8 of a tank of fuel before draining. You can then use a manual or electric pump to siphon the old gas out of the tank.
Once the tank is empty, you can start to remove the engine and drive. The process is relatively straightforward, involving the removal of six bolts from the transom assembly. However, it is important to note that you should only remove the engine if you need to replace the transom assembly.
Before removing the engine, measure the fuel tank to see if it will fit through the engine hatch. If it does, you can remove the engine and drive to get the tank out. If the tank is too large to fit through the hatch, you will need to cut the deck to expose the tank. This will require repairs to the fibreglass and gel coat, so it is important to cover the engine well to protect it from fibreglass dust.
The fuel tank is fitted between the two main stringers that the engine mounts sit on and is likely surrounded by wet foam. To access the tank, cut as far inboard as possible from the corner of the engine hatch opening, ensuring you do not cut into the stringer. It is generally easier to repair a straight section of fibreglass than a curved one, so avoid cutting into the corner if possible.
By following these steps, you can safely remove the engine and drive from your Maxum boat, providing access to the fuel tank for replacement or other maintenance tasks.
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Pull up the floor to expose the wood
To pull up the floor and expose the wood on a Maxum boat, you will need to cut the deck to access the fuel tank. This is because the fuel tank is fitted between the two main stringers, and it may be surrounded by wet foam, making it tough to get out.
Firstly, drill a 3/4" hole through the floorboards, about 1" from the stringers, at each corner of the floorboards. This hole should be big enough to fit a saw blade into. Then, cut the floor out all the way around, being very careful not to cut into the hull as you reach the sides of the boat.
If the stringers are rotten, you can use an angle grinder with a masonry cutting disk to cut the fibreglass tabbing around the floorboard, before pulling it up by hand. It may also be stapled to the wood, but with weakened seams, it should come away fairly easily.
Before cutting, you can use a piece of cardboard to get a template of the hull shape. Cut a piece of cardboard to the width of the hull but slightly taller. Then, take a small piece of lumber with a tip cut on it and tape a marker to the other end. Run the wood and marker along the cardboard to get a profile of the hull. This will help you know how much floor to cut away.
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Frequently asked questions
If your fuel tank is leaking, you will notice that the top of the tank is damp.
First, you need to remove the gas from the tank. Then, measure the tank and if it fits through the engine hatch, remove the engine and drive to get the tank out. If it doesn't fit, you will need to cut the deck to expose the tank.
Cut the deck as far inboard as possible from the corner of the engine hatch opening. It is easier to repair a straight section of fibreglass than a curved one.
Empty the tank and plug all the fittings. Then, purge the tank with strong detergent and water.
