Filled the tank this morning and noticed the main bilge pump came on soon after. Opened the small hatch in the guest stateroom and water running from under tank. Checked all fittings I could see and used a mirror to check under tank. It sure looks like the tank is leaking way back on the underside. In about 3 hours all 90 gallons had leaked out. Did the search on forum and read all about replacing these aluminum tanks. May end up attempting that method. Has anyone installed a new freshwater tank under the main stateroom bed? I am not sure how big a tank could be mounted under the bed but there is room for some type of tank. I am wondering if it would be easier just to install new tank there and re-plumb. Any thoughts?
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Well, I have not long since finished this job. In answer to your first question your fuel tank is under that bed. I looked at every conceivable way to put in a new tank without having to cut the floor open, even thought of trying to use a bladder in the old tank but it is full of baffle plates. When I exhausted every option I had to face the inevitiable and start cutting the floor open. When you get into doing this it is not as bad as it seems. Let me know when you want to start this job and I can give some pointers of how to go about it and I took lots of pictures when doing it.Hugh
Hugh
1990 3888
Hino 175 Diesels -
Thanks for the response Hugh. I was actually thinking about placing another fresh water tank under the main stateroom bed (forward). This is the big empty space where for forward air is located. We measured it today and it will easily handle a 35-50 gallon tank.
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I put a 35 Gallon tank under the port side half of the forward bunk to add capacity. Could have put another 35 gallon tank on the stbd side but wanted to retain some of the storage. Problem is that unless you used a soft bladder you may not be able to get enough water into this one space to replace the 80 gallon capacity of the original port side tank due to interference from the bed structure and the angle of the bow/hull.
My filler neck for this tank is mounted on the shelf on the stbd side so it doesn't go all the way to the deck for aesthetic purposes-I fill with the hose brought in via the bathroom hatch. Since it is "extra" capacity I don't have to do this very often. The tank vent goes up to the head of the bed, back under the shelf, and into the closet where it pierces the hull-just to keep it out of sight, again, for aesthetics. It turned out to be very easy to run the stiff plastic water line back under the galley sole. Came down the keel into the same space as the black water tank then a slight jog to stbd and it's there.
I used a black water tank float since I really only cared when it was full so I did not over fill it-so when it is full and I push a momentary button switch a red light comes on to indicate it is full.
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Hi Cindylou,
I posted a thread on 10-25-2011 titled 38xx water tank replacement destruction. In it are pictures and narration. Hugh did the same thing as he mentioned. If you have any questions please ask. I have now almost completed the reconstruction which will be posted a little later.
Richard
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I thought of that too and not a bad option as we need more weight up front, however for me it was not enough water and the other problem was how to fill it up, as the tank needs to be filled up from the top and also has to be vented. Does this means dragging a hose down to the front cabin and lift up the mattress, maybe someone else has ideas on that, but I had difficulty trying to work this out. The good news is with new water tanks you have confidence in drinking water from the tank. Good luck with it.
Hugh
Hugh
1990 3888
Hino 175 DieselsComment
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I have a stainless steel tank under the forward stateroom bed. It was installed by the PO but looks pretty easy to do.. I have posted pictures on this site years ago and am not sure if you can still see them or not. The stainless tank is about 90 gallons and the fill hole resides in the chain locker on the bow. The original tank is leaking so I just shut that one off. I am dog sitting this week and will not be back to the boat until Sunday... On Sunday, If you would like, I can take some more pics of the install, if you cant find my old ones..
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I found the thread I started way back, and the last page has a few pics I posted of the tank.. If you want/need some more detail just let me know and I can get that accomplished Sunday or Monday..
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