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Wahoo! OEM replacement fuel tanks
Here’s some great info on where to get OEM replacement fuel tanks for Wahoo!s, passed along by site subscriber Dan Rhodes. Thanks Dan!
“I have a 1988 18.50 Offshore. I just got off the phone with RDS fabricators in Perry Florida and ordered my new 45 gallon aluminum tank! RDS is the same company who made the original tanks, formally AFP, Aluminum Fabricated Products. The tank I ordered is the exact spec tank for my model, down to the location of the fill inlet, vent tube, fuel gauge, and fuel suction. The model # for those of you who cannot read your original labels is 317-45A-AF.”
RDS’s web site is www.rdsaluminum.com
I hope I don’t ever need one, but it’s sure great to know they’re out there!
I got my tank out two weeks ago and my welder is making a new one. One thing to note is the OEM tank is made from very thin aluminum and the pin holes were only leakers when the tank became pressurized when capped at fill and vent. Any tank that is 20+ years old is a candidate for a leak. I am not sure how the new ones are made, but if RDS is the same and they make it the same, it will be thin again. Check with them to see how its done these days. I should be saving about $100 from the RDS quote and will get thicker material. I suggest epoxy coat the outside and foam back in to its place, but be careful not to float the tank when doing foam.
Well guys it’s my turn to start this fun project. I got the console removed and well not sure how I want to cut the tank out or what would be the best way. I need some help here as I would also need the best way to glue and fiberglass this back in. Any suggestion appreciated, thanks. I have an 18 and half striped 1986 center console.
The tank listed above was the exact tank I had in my boat 317-45a-af. I just pulled it out.
Let me know if you need exact measurements and pictures on where to cut. I have my liner out and have a lot of detailed pictures. There is a stringer on all four sides and you want to try to make the smallest hole possible and also add some reinforcement so you will not create a soft spot. There is no wood in the liner. It is all coremat and glass. The hard part is breaking the existing foam so you can remove the tank. You also need to be able to get a strap around the tank so you can pry it out of the hull. The hole has to be large enough to get access to the foam but small enough not to get to the stringer. There is cabosil on top of the stinger that bonds the hull to the liner. The cabosil is rock hard and if you break it you will have to rebond.