Empty Bilge

The second tank came loose easier than expected. I slid it forward to clear the engine room bulkhead and my daughter helped me rotate it up out of the bilge. The tanks are identical except for the placement of the fittings (and the color).

There were a couple perforations in the aft tank as well as some of those shiny spots.

 Digging out the foam was a little more satisfying with all the room. I was even able to get out some big pieces.

I discovered that what I thought to be mat under the tanks was actually compressed foam harboring water and gasoline.

 It amazes me that there is/can be an 15' length of hull without any cross bracing.

I'm doing the math now to see if I can go back in with a single tank about 10' long as opposed to 2 five footers. This will also allow me to use a rectangular tank because there will be no need for a fill hose going forward to the other tank.

I'm still undecided about whether to go with aluminum or plastic. The plastic tank is immune to corrosion but costs several hundred dollars more. However, now I can install an aluminum tank off the bottom of the bilge so it stays dry.