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Old 18-11-2017, 07:34   #1
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Island Packet Tank question

I have noticed some recent advertisements for sale on Island Packet boats that they have replaced tank(s). Has anyone heard of there being problems with the tanks in this brand of boat? I understand they are difficult to access.
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Old 18-11-2017, 07:46   #2
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Re: Island Packet Tank question

Older Island Packets had aluminium tanks. The main issue has been the holding tanks. The combination of salt water and ammonia rotted the holding tanks. To add to the pain, the holding tanks were placed in very difficult places to replace. Paying someone to replace them can cost $10,000-$20,000 depedning on the model.
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Old 18-11-2017, 08:00   #3
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Re: Island Packet Tank question

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Originally Posted by njoynthewater View Post
I have noticed some recent advertisements for sale on Island Packet boats that they have replaced tank(s). Has anyone heard of there being problems with the tanks in this brand of boat? I understand they are difficult to access.


I haven’t found anyone who ever has replaced a water tank as that is a concern of mine. It would require removal of the sole I think.
I assume since I can’t find someone who has ever done it that water tank failure isn’t all that common.
It took all of 30min for me to pull the waste tank on my 38,it sits under the port settee and is accessed through a cover that is several inches bigger than the tank. Disconnect hoses, remove hold down screws, lift tank.
I had a company in Maine that Peggie recommended make me an exact duplicate out of plastic. It’s a half inch thick and I assume will last for a very long time.

If anyone knows of someone who replaces IP water tanks, I’d appreciate their name so I can get an idea of what I may be facing.

My waste tank was replaced once when I bought the boat and she was 27 then. It was about to go when I replaced it. It seems that on my boat they lasted 15yrs, however I think in my Boat was a Marina Queen and rarely used.

Newer IP’s I think have fiberglass tanks, but don’t quote me.
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Old 19-11-2017, 04:50   #4
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Re: Island Packet Tank question

I have had 2 customers that have had to replace their water tans, one was a late 80s 38, the other was slightly smaller. Major job removi g them.
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Old 19-11-2017, 09:24   #5
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Re: Island Packet Tank question

I have owned 2 IPs. The holding tanks, as mentioned earlier, have generally been the issue. I have heard of only one issue with a water tank in an older model. Keep in mind that the water tanks are aluminum, they do not do well with any chlorine bleach added to them, which I know some people use to clean out tanks and lines. So, my advice would be to ask the owner if they put any bleach in the water tank and if so, I would be very cautious. That said, I think the cost cited earlier for replacement is overstated. The floor would have to be cut out and then replaced, but I think it would be half the amount quoted- depending on where you had the work done.
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Old 19-11-2017, 09:40   #6
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Re: Island Packet Tank question

The Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for Island Packet's aluminum water and holding tanks is Ezell Industries, inc. - they have the original factory drawings, are very reasonably priced, ship quickly, and are now custom made with a thicker aluminum. Ask for Jamie Ellison.
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Old 19-11-2017, 10:17   #7
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Re: Island Packet Tank question

Aluminum is a poor choice for a holding tank. Use plastic.
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Old 19-11-2017, 11:35   #8
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Re: Island Packet Tank question

Quote:
Originally Posted by TanseyD View Post
Older Island Packets had aluminium tanks. The main issue has been the holding tanks. The combination of salt water and ammonia rotted the holding tanks. To add to the pain, the holding tanks were placed in very difficult places to replace. Paying someone to replace them can cost $10,000-$20,000 depedning on the model.
My wife and I looked at several IP 380s. It seems almost certain that the holding tank will fail, and had on one we looked at, unbeknownst to the owner and the bilge was filled with sewage. The tank is under the forward cabin with no hatch. If you search google, you'll find a detailed report by someone who did it himself and installed an access hatch at the same time. He did a great job and gave plenty of details about where to get parts. Sorry, I cannot remember his name.
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Old 19-11-2017, 12:56   #9
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Re: Island Packet Tank question

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Originally Posted by Dulcesuenos View Post
I have had 2 customers that have had to replace their water tans, one was a late 80s 38, the other was slightly smaller. Major job removi g them.


You have a contact on who did the replacement?
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Old 19-11-2017, 13:09   #10
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Re: Island Packet Tank question

Just replaced the aluminum holding tank on my 1977 Islander 32. Buried under the v-berth, it required a fair amount of carpentry to remove the old and no longer available aluminum tank and replace it with a different size and shape plastic tank. The tank, along with some new plumbing fittings totaled about $350. A local yard had given me a rough quote of $1,000

Not a fun job, but glad to have stopped the leaking from a "swiss cheese" looking, corroded aluminum relic. And very glad to have been able to do it for a mere 1/3 of the yard's quote.
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Old 19-11-2017, 13:46   #11
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Re: Island Packet Tank question

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Aluminum is a poor choice for a holding tank. Use plastic.
My 30 year old boat has stainless steel tanks. They seem fine to me. 400 liters capacity on a 33ft boat.
Although I guess you have your reasons for not including the stainless option. Cost? Some of the more expensive boats, Hallberg Rassy and Najad for example, seem to like them.
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Old 19-11-2017, 15:29   #12
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Re: Island Packet Tank question

If you want a metal tank, either Monel or Titanium, however at that kind of price, why?
Brings up a good plastic tank, it will likely last at least as long as the plastic hull as it’s not exposed to sunlight, and be way cheaper than Monel or Titanium.
Stainless Steel is of course less susceptible to corrosion than ordinary steel, but it does still corrode, plastic does not.
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Old 19-11-2017, 16:19   #13
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Re: Island Packet Tank question

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You have a contact on who did the replacement?
Sorry I don't it was over 2 years ago.
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Old 19-11-2017, 23:41   #14
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Re: Island Packet Tank question

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Aluminum is a poor choice for a holding tank. Use plastic.
Agree. Any metal is a poor choice for a holding tank - the most corrosive potential on any boat.

Aluminum is also a very poor choice for a water tank - or the tank of a water heater for that matter.
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Old 18-12-2017, 14:21   #15
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Re: Island Packet Tank question

Island Packet is not the only manufacturer who used aluminum for water and holding tanks. Water tanks should be OK as long as you use carbon filter while filling with water to remove chlorine and avoid bleach as disinfectant. Hydrogen peroxide or chromium dioxide based disinfectants are safe for aluminum. Holding tanks will leak. It is just a matter of when. Some Island Packets are easier to have holding tanks replaced, some require cutting out fore stateroom floor. Best material for replacement tanks is polypropylene. Make sure a tank level sensor is installed when the holding tank is replaced!!! The best one is made by WEMA: SHS sensor: Marine Holding Tank Level Sensors by WEMA USA, Inc.

Holding tank issue aside newer 3 digit Island Packets are otherwise bulletproof.

Good Luck.
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