110 Cookson Lane | Whitefield, ME 04353 | 207-232-7600 | tim@lackeysailing.com
Next on the agenda was to install the new fuel tank, which would be located directly beneath the cockpit in the same place and orientation as the original. It made sense to install the new tank while I had as good access as possible from all directions, including through the engine room as necessary.
The new tank was the same size and shape as the original, but because the new tank required a support platform beneath to spread the load to the two hanging metal straps that would secure it to the cockpit above, the original metal straps, which were still in serviceable condition, required extension in order to reach the brackets above. The straps featured threaded studs welded to each end of the strap (which was bent into a shape to match the fuel tank's shape), and these studs were not quite long enough with the new plywood platform beneath the tank.
I'd hoped that the original straps would work as is, but wasn't surprised to find that they didn't. I ordered some hardware to reconfigure the ends of the straps, but for the moment I couldn't finish installing the tank; the new hardware would arrive tomorrow. However, since the tank and its platform was now in the boat, I could install the fittings required on the top of the tank for the tank vent, fuel return, and fuel supply (left to right respectively).
Meanwhile, I sanded and revarnished the deadlight frames.
One additional project on the list for this time around was to apply the deck nonskid, and I was anxious to begin. However, I wanted to wait at least until the fuel tank was installed to minimize any potential damage to the new paint, so I held off on any deck preparations for the moment. Originally I'd hoped to have the new engine in place before painting, but it looked like I'd better continue with the work while still waiting for the engine's arrival, which I hoped would be within the next week or so.
Total Time Billed on This Job Today: 3 hours
