IP 31 fuel tank removal

I have an 1987 IP 31. I am in the planning stages of a fuel tank replacement. The cutout of the tank from it's birth below the cockpit edsel pedestal does not look difficult. but the question is can the tank be taken out of the port cockpit locker hatch opening?
Unfortunately, no one at Island packet had any idea. I was told by two people ( Karstan Johnson and Jerry Swartz) to as this forum.
I have measured, but it is hard to tell without being able to manipulate the tank as it is not a square, rectangle or other easily measured item. And when turned may be able to squeeze through, or may not.
thanks
keith

I have had similar issues IP29 and resolved them by gluing together a mockup out of foam insulation panels available at home depot. A picture is worth 1000 words but a model is worth 10,000 words.

very good idea, ill try to get the dimensions from IP, or online, and make a mock up. Thanks!

I have replaced the fuel tank on Windependent 31#112 It will not come out in one piece. I cut the stringer to allow the tank into the port side locker, I put a piece of dry ice in the tank for a few hours to displace the oxygen. I know diesel is not all that flammable Call me a worry wart. With a saws all I cut the tank in two and removed. I had a new tank fabricated in a shop in Bradenton Fl. this tank was several inches narrower , allowing it to slide in with out a hitch. This reduced the tank to 20 gal. from the factory 25gal. Have not run out of fuel yet. If I had it to do over again I would have had a clean out port installed on the new tank. If any questions I will answer any questions if I can .This size will tank will fit right into the locker, my vessel is a center board model , having an additional pipe for the pennant. A little more of a squeeze but as you can see doable. Re-glass the stringer paint and off you go.

I think the idea of a cleanout port is a good one and I am sorry I didn't have one put in my new tank. A real simple modification would have been to put a drain plug at the bottom of the tank. I didn't do that either. Has anyone done this or is there some legal, insurance or safety issue why this shouldn't be done.

thanks! thats what i needed to know

check out my updates on tank removal
Thor

thor wrote: check out my updates on tank removal
Thor

Thank you, I will do that. By the way I am upgrading my alternator to a high output alternator with serpentine belt. I will attempt to do a decent outline of that and then link in a great how-to article on that.
I've noticed that we as a group of Island Packet Yachts owners have a limited audience, and limited population count, to do justice to some of the how-to articles. Hopefully the moderators will not object to linking to a companion site for more detailed information on "how to" articles I think the two sites work together very well.

Besides, Hayden is busy living the dream so when the cats away the mice will play?

Just read your post on fuel tank replacement. I need to do the same on a 1990 IP 27. Would like get info on shop that built your new tank, what material did they use, SS , plastic , aluminum ? Also approximate cost would be helpful.
Thanks,
Ross

Rayco manufacturing co , 6060 28 st. E Bradenton Fl 34203 ( 941-751-3177) Cut up the old one and measure what will fit back in . In the case of 31 # 112 a tank about 3 in. narrower 5 gal. less. Aluminum, tank went right back with very little retro fitting. The price varies by size, with a new fuel level sender it was well worth it.
A very doable job. Good luck.
Thor