Fuel Tank Cleanout Upgrade
The original fuel tank cleanout under the settee closest to the companionway had been overtightened at some point and the threads were slightly damaged. Luckily the fiberglass threads in the tank were completely intact and Oyster had a new design cleanout inspection hatch which fit into the same threads as the original unit. This new style inspection hatch does not use a single slot in the cover to attempt to install or remove the hatch. Instead there are tabs sticking up around the edges into which a custom took engages which provides an ideal way to apply torque to the lid. The new inspection hatches are about $100 each so I won't be replacing all of the ones which are in good condition and have easy access. However, there are several which will be replaced due to access difficulties which will provide some spares! This is the hatch installed with the stainless steel tool engaged on the tabs in the hatch. Here is the inspection hatch installed with the tool removed. You can see that the o-ring is nicely compressed all around the perimeter. A significant amount of silicone plumbers grease was applied to the o-ring, mating surfaces and threads to ensure it all goes together nicely. About 1/3 of a tub per hatch is required. Definitely no leaks and it is easy to get them back open to work inside the tank. I have had to go into the tank a couple of times because the dip tube for the fuel measurement system gets hung up on the internal pickup tubes and results in a lower than expected fuel reading because the tube ends up being slanted in the tank.