Fuel Tank, R21 EC

[Stewartn]

New Guy Here,
Just took delivery of R21, Hull # FMLT2134C313, built 2013. Lovin' it after 50 yrs under sail. Noticed Some movement of 18 Gal. Plastic fuel tank. There's a board screwed, 5 # 10 0r #12 Torx, to the base that the tank rests upon. Makes a retaining lip for the tank. This had pulled out. I refastened with bigger screws and seems to be OK. But, is there a way to refasten the tank very securely? Any help, surely appreciated. Thanks all.
Stewart Napoleon

 

[BB marine]

We don't have a R21 EC but I really like the boat and shopped it for a year before purchasing our C26. I noticed the tank install used cleat strips at the bottom of the tank and the only other anchor was the tank attachments fuel fill hose and vent. Honestly I don't think that that fulfills the ABYC requirements, but it must, it has the sticker on the boat. I would purchase some black synthetic straps and fasten 2 straps to the deck board that the tank sits on and wrap the straps over the top of the tank. One on starboard side of tank one on port side of tank. Similar to how a battery box is strapped down and anchored. The combination of the cleat strips and the straps should secure the tank from movement.

 

[ixlr8]

The 'trailer' reverse lights on my RT-27OB don't work and I was checking the wiring. Based on what I have been told, the wiring practices I can see on my boat do NOT meet ABYC standards so it doesn't surprise me that the fuel tank mount on the R21 doesn't meet the standards. Although I hope that is not the way RT installed it and something was changed along the way.

 

[Capt’nKarl]

Stewart. You are correct. That’s the main support for holding the tank in place. I had the same issue with the screws not holding. I replaced the factory screws with larger ones spaced closer together and have not had any issues since and the boat has been is some very rough waters.
Smooth cruising
Karl