Anyone know this....

[Stinky_Hooker]

hey do any of you guys know how big my fuel tank is in my 79 steplift. It is a single in the floor and it looks freakin huge!!! 60..75 maybe. Also, I am going to pull it to clean it ...do yall think that is a bad idea or not?It has set up for about 6 or 7 years before i got it.
Thanks

[chumbucket]

Hey Stinky. ;D
60 gallons would be the correct answer. Now........what did I win? ;D
Seriously though, it wouldn't be a bad idea to check it out thoroughly anyways. And while it is out, you might want to consider having it pressure tested to check for any leaks. That is of course if you're already planning on removing it.
Luck.

[Stinky_Hooker]

Thanks, chum..also I know there are alot of varibles, but what kinda range with a two stroke v 6 do yall get from your boats....also this is my first steplift, how well do they ride and handle rough water??

[macojoe]

How many horse power?? I have a 175 yamaha and I can go I guess about 50 miles + with 20 gal. Thats about 2 1/2 to 3 miles per gal. Which I think is pretty good.

As far as rough water, lets just say you should not have to much a problem in anything short of a hurracaine!~!

Really I have had mine in 6 footers before and even though I don't ever want to do it again !~ I made it thur to live another day!!
You will love it!! It is a great stable platform to fish from!! I think abit to stable!~! Some times I don't relize how bad it is getting till its a bit to late and then have to fight the waves home!

Were are you from?? were do you fish from??

[Stinky_Hooker]

I am in Mobile, Al....I fish in the Gulf and I now use a 18, but I am working on this one for using when i get it done....at this rate a couple more years.LOL

[macojoe]

I have a friend that works there, and lives in Gulfport I new when I saw all them "you all" stuff!! you were from there! I bet you did not no you typed wit a accent!

[Stinky_Hooker]

yea mac...i know. We all have our quirks i guess. I have a "Yankee" friend that fishes with me and everytime he hooks a big snap. or something he yells "fish on" in a real annoying yank voice. LOL **gets on my nerves* *Anyway,he is from Oregon and to listen to him talk ya sure know it!!! I wish this board had Chat i love talkin to people from other parts.....I have just started talking with a fellow from Alaska and WOW is life diff. up there!!! * Drop me a line anytime.. [email protected]

PS I love your little bouncy chik...whered ya get her??

[macojoe]

well nice to have you here!!
I might be down that way in a year or so? So you better get that boat ready!! I will be wanting to fish that area!

If you type in Free GIF's on a search on the net it will take you to all kinds of sites that allow you to get things like my girlfriend!~!

Just becareful down loading them!! Sometimes there are Virus hidden in them! You should have a goo anti virus before doing it!

[AirborneJarhead]

Wow...MJ is telling someone else THEY have an accent?

"Eh, MJ...youze goin to da bah in your cah when you get tru wit dat trim unit?" ;)

Just joshin...y'all sure get touchy up there!
;D

[AirborneJarhead]

Oh.. and YES I'm still bitter over the Superbowl :P

[macojoe]

I don't really have that Mass sound, I come from NY when Imwas a kid and I kind of have a 1/2 & 1/2 acent.

Its all good!!

[steplift20]

i have a 1978 step and it has a 55 gallon belly tank thats what you probably have in it
is it plastic or aluminum i replaced mine about 10 years ago and put in a plastic one that should last a long long time
;D

[Stinky_Hooker]

it is aluminum and i noticed yesterday that it is longer than the access panel and if I want to remove it I think i will have to cut part of the floor out.???? ::)

[steplift20]

i replaced my tank and all you have to remove is the big panel and then you have to chop all of the foam out to remove the tank,and replace all the fuel lines when you do it ::)

[Stinky_Hooker]

Thank steptift, I was hoping that to be the case. What should i use to put back in their...that spray foam or something???

[chumbucket]

You can buy that two part liquid expanding foam through boating stores like West Marine or Boaters World. Just mix the two parts as directed and pour into the surrounding cavities. Make sure you measure correctly because it does expand like crazy. Then you can cut off the excess that expands over the top. It'll help keep your tank in position without shifting as well.

[Stinky_Hooker]

Thanks chum...i hoped there was a better way.

[chumbucket]

The stuff's easy to use.

[Seakindly]

SH - The last boat I rebuilt, I bought 2 part expanding foam from a private plastics lab, locally. I don,t know what West or BW sells. Point is they had foams of different densities. For flotation you want maximum expansion - say a 2gal kit yields 10 cubic feet. For bedding a fuel tank you want minimum expansion - say a 2 gallon kit yields 3-5 cubic feet.

Also use a mixing tool on an electric drill. If you mix by hand the foam will start expanding before you have finished mixing.

Be careful using this stuff in enclosed places under decks. The expansion forces are for real, and you can "blow your boat". :o

[Stinky_Hooker]

Blow it huh..WOW :o! Thanks I will be careful.

[chumbucket]

Shouldn't be a problem as you'll be putting the foam in while the hatch is off. the excess will billow up over the top of the stringers, then when it's cured you can cut off the excess material.

[Seakindly]

SH - enclosed = key word.
As far as your tank project goes, you will want to secure the tank in position so that it is in place and level when the foam is set. Have fun - the stuff is cool to play with. ;D