Fuel tank replacement 248 Sportsman 1981

[248 Sportsman81]

I am planning to replace the fuel tank on my 1981 Sportsman 248
Has anyone completed a tank replacement on the same hull ?
Prefer not to cut any decking
I am looking for any suggestions or advice based on experience.

Thank you

[Fury Pilot]

I removed the fuel tank in my 1987 230 Coastal. Not that bad really. Hardest part was removing the foam. It was not really hard it just took a long time. In my case the problem ended up being a leaky elbow. I pressure tested and cleaned tank and reinstalled by foaming the tank. The cover over the tank did not require any cutting.

Fury

[248 Sportsman81]

Thanks for the reply
Does your Coastal have the raised deck at the helm like the Sportsman?

[HudsonMarine]

You do not need to cut the deck.
You WILL need to remove the wood bulkheads on both sides of the cabin entryway (they just bolt & screw in).
Then unscrew the entire raised cockpit floor section, and slide it forward into the cabin.
The fuel tank can then be pulled out at an angle to the rear.
It's a ticht fit BUT, it will come out.
Get rid of the rubber cushion strips, and replace them with 1/4"x2" PVC flat molding strips which can be found at Home Depot for cheap.

[248 Sportsman81]

Thanks for the reply. Did you replace with the same size tank ? 100 Gal. Aluminum or Plastic tank ?

[HudsonMarine]

We only removed for inspection.
If you need a new tank, I suggest these guys, they produced tanks for many boat manufactures.
I have purchased tanks from them several times, and they will build whatever you need to EXACT measurements you provide.

http://www.rdsaluminum.com/
Ask for Ray