PVC pipe inside the hull?

[SURFERJRB]

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.