The water tank installation is moving along. Perhaps slowly, but I’m addressing other items as they show up during the process. This is a new type of remodel for me, in a less than ergonomically perfect space. Did I mention I’m getting much more limber? I don’t need yoga or stretching classes now. The pic to the left shows the starboard platform made from 3/4″ plywood with 6 coats of Pettit Old Salem 2018 sealer. The notches in the side correspond with the ribs and the holes allow any condensation to drain into the bilge. The outboard holes are larger so there’s a chance of retrieving a stray fitting that ends up against the stringer. At least it’s possible to see into the space.
The second image shows the port tanks as they sit on their platform. They are held in place by a through-bolted oak rail and 2″ seatbelt webbing. The U-bolts are a SeaChoice bow eye from Northeast Marine Parts. They cinch up the webbing until nothing moves. The oak rail is painted with gray primer so it contrasts with the platform and the tanks. Eventually, all wood gets 3 coats of gray primer and 3 coats of gloss gray. There will be a thin rubber mat between the tanks and the platform. Everything is modular and can be disassembled into individual components rather easily. I want to make future modifications and maintenance as easy as possible. The design received the approval of Captain Ray, so with a few coats of gray paint we are good to go.
The original design was stout and secure, and I can see how it went went together quickly, but it certainly did not make the best use of the confined space. As projects go, working on a boat is OK. There is social time at the dock, new tools are always a good thing, and there is always a touch of pride working through an idea, twisting it every which way, until it actually works better than the original.