Ontario 32 fuel tank help!

[Pschnare]

I have a 1982 Ontario 32 and I've found out my fuel tank is shot.

Had some standing fuel in the lip around the tank and when I wiped it up, it filled again. More scrubbing revealed a white oily grease up on the edges of the lip. Well when I cleaned that out, the tank drained into my bilge.

Fun times.

So I've cut out the straps, I've removed all the fittings, I've taken out my cockpit drains and I can't seem to maneuver the thing out of my las. I'm sure this is the original tank, which makes me wonder if they put it in and popped the cockpit over it.

I'm about a week away from cutting the thing up, but I'd rather not.

Has anyone removed the tank from an Ontario 32 and could provide me with any advice or moral support ?

Thanks

[PerfectPirate]

I have not myself removed the fuel tank from my 1975 Ontario 32, but it has been replaced in the past. About twenty years ago, the original owner had the Yanmar 2QM20 pulled out and rebuilt, and I expect that the tank was replaced at that time. With the engine out, they would have been able to pull the tank forward over the cockpit drain thru-hulls and then out through the engine space. Can you slide the tank forward enough to maneuver it out into the cockpit locker?


Currently my boat is equipped with a Moeller black plastic tank, capacity somewhere between 76 and 80 litres (about twenty US gallons). I believe that this tank is small enough that I would be able to slide it sideways and then rotate it into the cockpit locker, if the need arises.


By the way, there is an active Facebook group for Ontario Yacht owners. It is always a good place to ask for help and advice.