Fuel Tank Design

[Jim lanza]

I've been reading a lot lately about 'Fuel Polishing' and tank cleaning. I was wondering if any of you knew if in 1988 Albin was utilizing baffles in their fuel tanks. I realize that many specifications changed from hull to hull, but was just generally wondering. Thinking of having my 29 year old fuel tanks cleaned, but have heard that with baffles, it's almost not worthwhile.

Any responses will be appreciated.
Jim Lanza
M/V Encore
1988 Albin 40 Sundeck

[jetter]

I opened my tank two years ago for cleaning. Prior to cutting inspection ports I contacted the manufacturer Luther and they emailed me a drawing showing the location of the baffles. It was not really necessary as you can see the welds on the outside of the tank. Because of the thin tank wall I had to have backing plates made up to give a solid surface to bolt the new inspection plates to. Its a bit of a "project".

[jleonard]

My tanks have baffles. When I first got my boat I did try to polish the fuel as I was having issues. I was able to get the suction hose under the adjacent baffles, but I never got any crud out IF there was any. (I don't believe there was much if any). In other words it was a waste of time.
I replaced my lift pump and went to a multi stage filtering setup and so far have not had any further fuel issues.

[WillieC]

Don't know about your model but my 1973 A25 had a baffle spot welded top and bottom that broke loose at some time prolly in the distant past. Since I am in the middle of replacing my engine, I thought I'd remove the tank, clean and paint etc. you know the drill. Why would we ever just stop!? Upon removal I heard the telltale slam, bang, clunk in the tank. Removed the sender and tried to see what I could and it was not pretty. There was still about half a gallon of fuel in the tank and lots of black crud swirling about.

I was having no fuel problems, filters were working just fine, then again last year was a low use year what with the failing engine. I ended up inventing an access plate and would HIGHLY recommend just buying the plate from SeaBuilt. Search around and find the best price, they are not cheap, but I figure I have about a grand in my less than stellar cheap ass substitution, as unique as it is. (Not quite, but my labor is free.) Their list price for an 8" plate with 6" access is around $180 I think. And they are very nice people.

Here is a pic of the crud that accumulated on the detached baffle. Not good, and I was worried it might knock off the pick-up tube. So it had to go. I had to cut it in half with tin snips to get it out the hole.

[JT48348]

$1,000 for an access hatch for your fuel tank?!
Sweet Mary, you could have paid me $500.

You can do your own access hatches for about $30-40 each if your tank is in good shape.

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