I am looking at the potential purchase of a 1966 27 Commander, and one potential concern I have is replacement of the galvanized fuel tank...it doesn't appear to be leaking yet (no foul odors), but if it does, it looks like one HECK of a project to replace...has anyone done this, and how? Also, of course, how MUCH?

I have spent about 6 hours over the past few days looking through this forum - it has given me great ideas, great insight, and greater inspiration! I hope to become a member of this august group soon!

Signed:

Newbie (but increasingly excited) Commander Owner to-be

First of all, a big "WELCOME ABOARD" to you. We're pleased to have you as a reader and participant, and as a new Commander owner too!

I see your note about August, and yes, the August 22-24 event at Huron Ohio is going to be a heck of a lot of fun! If you're planning on attending with or without a boat, be sure to check in and let us know so we can plan the food, dock space, etc.

Yes, we've had some postings about water tanks leaking, etc. Some have been replaced on the various boats. My tank is giving the "rust signal" if I leave water in for a long time between drain down and flush. I never drank any water out of the tank anyway, we just used it for washing hands and dishes, and clean up. We always carry bottled water for drinking. Getting the tank out of some boats is easier than others.

If you get a leak it can generally be patched for extended service, depending on the location and type of failure.


Regarding your potential purchase of a 27. It sounds like loads of fun to me. Those are all fast boats in that size range, regardless of the power option. They respond like a large runabout. Send details and photos when you can!

See you in August!




Regards,

Paul
forum moderator

It's the gas tank I'm worried about! Fumes, fire, tight spaces, etc...

Any ideas?

Thanks!

Will send photos as soon as she's uncovered...this will be a project!

That sure proves I read the post waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too fast.

Sheesh, I need to slow down.

Fuel tanks, hmmmmm. All I can say, they made the fuel tanks to a heck-of-a lot better standard than the water tanks, and for good reason.

I don't think there is any way to really tell if the tanks is good or bad.

Many of us are running boats a lot older than Commanders with original tanks. I would invest in a sniffer, however, so the first time there is ANY sign of wetness at all, fumes, whatever, from the pump, line, carb, or tank, filter, whatever, that thing will go off like an alarm and also start your bilge blower automatically.

Of course, you can replace the tank with a variety of aluminum, stainless, and plastic choices too. What does the external visual inspection show, and what do you siphon off the bottom of the tank? Rusty debris on the bottom of the tank is a signal and not a good one. External rust is bad too. My guess would be the tank is okay, but better take a look externally, do a siphon check just to be sure you don't have varnish debris that will clog the outlet too.

Regards,

Paul