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Holding and fuel tank accessibility

C

corsaire

Stan Mathey
<div>I am happy to report that I successfully launched the "Sea
Ya'll" a Morgan 383 #33 this past Friday. I purchased the boat
(formally "Second Whim")last October from Jim Johnson and have
never had it in the water as an owner until now. I hope changing
the name is not bad luck. I am new to boat ownership but not to
sailing as I have bareboat chartered for years on boats of
similar size. As as I prepare her for the season and dig further
into her bowels I am amazed at how integrated the various tanks
are into her structure. I saw the recent comments on water tanks
and that seems manageable but the holding and fuel tanks seem to
be so built in that if they ever failed it would be nearly
impossible to repair or replace them. This would also include
the holding tank hoses wherever they are. The tanks seem to be
in good shape now but may not always stay that way. I looked on
the board for previous discussions on this subject an could not
find anything. Any details would be appreciated.I love the boat and can't wait to spend the summer on Lake
Michigan.
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Jim, I would really appreciate a copy of the drawings. My address is: cyberbud@gate.net. Thank you.
 
I share your concerns, although I think the fuel tank is easier to handle. It will require taking up the sole, but that is not impossible. In fact, in my 6 foot draft, there is room for at least another 40 gallons and if I get serious about anything beyond coastal cruising, I will surely try to put in a whole new 80 to 100 gallon tank. Having tried to work on my holding tank, which god save me was leaking, I agree with your perception of the holding tank problem. Mine is so deep in my bilge (and since I have a 6 foot draft, it is really deep down there) that it is very hard, damn near impossible, but not quite impossible,to work on. The hoses come out of pvc pipe bedded into the tank, however, so I think that will last for some time, as long as I do not break one off trying to do other repairs--it has lasted for 20 years, anyway.
 
Alan, I re-read your concerns about the fuel and holding tanks and wonder if you realize that these tanks aren't installed in the boat, but rather they are part of the boat. Both tanks are fiberglass and are simply part of the the keel -- there is no metal or other material involved. The fuel tank seems well done, but the holding tank has a semi-porous tank top/bilge bottom that is an annoying source of ordors. This summer I plan on trowling a layer of undrwater epoxy over the entire bilge bottom to seal this area once and for all.
One last piece of information for you. A yard person set my boat down on blocks such that the keel/holding tank bottom was broken open -- crushed inward from the bottom edge. Apparently this hollow area of the keel should not be allowed to support significant weight. I now request that the aft support block be placed under the trailing edge of the keel, which is heavier built. You can find the holding tank area by thumping the aft, lower, keel sides, listening for hollow sounds.
It is a fine boat -- enjoy!
 
<div>Jim,I would like a copy of your drawing also. Thanks a lot.Vic Copelan
Victor_Copelan@waro.enr.state.nc.us
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<div>I would certainly appreciate a copy of any and all drawings you might have. The address is zinawalts@worldnet.att.netThanx very much.
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I'm having a problem with the "Holding Tank 3/4 Full" light and am considering adding an all-mechanical guage in the bilge. A copy of your drawing would be very helpful. Thanks, Don.
 
Sounds like a common interest!
I,too, would appreciate information/ drawings onthe holding tank and other areas. We have some separation along the starboard vertical surface above our holding tank which is leaking somewhat.Ours is M384, hull #17, currently in Oxford, MD.
Walt and Barb Trela.
 
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