PVC pipe inside the hull?
 

So I am reworking my 1980 V-20 Fisherman Center Console. I needed to replace my gas tank, now that I have it removed there is a PVC drain pipe that runs from the front anchor locker to the bilge. My question is do I need to keep this PVC pipe or can I rip it out when I install a new gas tank? I am not going to foam in my new tank, I am going to make supports to keep the tank in place.

sounds like a drain line to me, i would say keep it

Many boat builders will use a piece of PVC pipe to route the bildge drain from the bow to the stern through the pipe so that the saltwater bildge water won't contact the aluminum tank and corrode it out. I would leave it in and make sure its good. If fuel gets on it from a leaking tank it can eat the PVC away.

ditto above, i think the reasoning is, if the fuel cell is compromised, the leaking fuel will remain in the compartment and not drain to the bilge .

i'm guessing by your screen name you surf, can you still get into trestle's and surf? last time i was there was 1973, we went to upper & lower, great waves and no crowds. i am sure nothing has changed in 38 years...

Its the drain you need it unless you re-locate or install a new belge up front for the Cuddy etc...Here is a picture of mine when I pulled the tank and replaced it a few years back during my restoration. I use swimming pool foam flotation to suspend the Tank and then pour in marine close cell foam ...