R23 fuel tank brackets

D

DocJoe

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 18, 2022
Messages
57
Fluid Motion Model
C-242 C
Hull Identification Number
FMLT2302E819
Vessel Name
Bonus Round
MMSI Number
338469685
My fuel tank brackets are not in a correct, or safe, position.

I can reach the aft brackets to loosen and then reposition, but I cannot reach the forward brackets.

Is there an access panel to be able to get to the screws holding the nylon brackets in place?

Or, if no access panel, then how do I get to these nylon brackets to loosen them so I can properly position them to hold the fuel tank safely in place?

It appears that the fuel tank has shifted position to starboard, and the port nylon brackets are now pressing into the sides of the fuel tank. This is a very unsafe condition inasmuch as boat movement could rupture the fuel tank ... and then boom!!

The boat only has 58 total operating hours, so this appears to be a design flaw. I have some good ideas for a re-design, but I first have to get to the nylon brackets to loosen them.

I have removed the cushions from the port storage in the main cabin area that is directly over the fuel tank, and I do see horizontal panels (decking) that are screwed into place, but not sure if I remove those panels that I will gain access to the fuel tank brackets.

I appreciate any and all advice and suggestions.

Thank you, Joe
 
Bummer. No advice or comments on my fuel tank issue. Disappointed.
 
Hey, DocJoe,

You likely haven't received much traction on your question because you posted it in the "Tugnuts Site Support" forum which is intended to help users navigate the forum. If you repost your question in another forum such as General Technical Discussion, you may get more responses.

Also, this topic has been discussed in the past, so a forum search may turn up some relevant info for you. Here a result to get you started:

http://www.tugnuts.com/viewtopic.ph...&sid=3e1fb5afd9f61968cc2ca5cbef53ec2f#p138282
 
The link below is from a fellow Tugnut Baz. It shows photos of the build of a R23 there are photos of the fuel tank install. zoom in on them. Based on what I see this install may not live up to the USCG requirements or the ABYC recommendations of permanent tank installation movement of 1/4" or less. The plastic brackets will hold the tank down if it is centered but I see no side to side or fore and aft brackets that will restrict the movement to 1/4" and keep the tank centered under the brackets. If it were me repairing this I would first center the tank making sure each plastic angle bracket is in place over the top of the tank. Once centered I would make some plastic shims that can be installed to limit side to side movement of the tank so it stays centered. I would also make a shim to stop the tank from sliding fore and aft. The tank movement requirement is a 1/4".
ABYC recommendation 24.10. 5 Fuel tanks shall be installed and restrained so that the fuel tank does not move at the mounting surface more than 1/4"
https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B1AGI9HKKGHWW1S

If a tank moves and causes an issue that a surveyor questions on a boat that is this new. Original owner or not I think that Fluid Motion would be there to assist in the repair. I am surprised that reading the post in the other thread that stated other wise. This would be a good thread for Fluid Motion folks to respond to. Fuel tank movement issues in a gas powered boat. I'm sure they have a easy fix if there is an issue.
 
Thank you to Pandion and BB Marine. I will follow up with your comments/ideas, and I have also had the USCG inspect the boat; and they agree this is a very unsafe condition. They advised I do not use the boat until the issue is corrected, and they volunteered to re-inspect once repairs or corrective action has been taken. Thank you both.
 
Hello,

Please feel free to give our customer service number a call on Monday and I’m sure we can assist. (253)839-5213
 
HI Andrew

I have the same issue of my 2019 R23. Do you know if the Factory has a recommended repair plan like where to cut the access holes, how big should the holes be, what kind of access hatch to use to cover the hole? etc etc.

Randy Thorn
2019 R23
 
I’m interested in this topic as well. Same bracket issue.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
SERVICE BULLETIN ?
 
I did a search on this forum and found no Service Bulletins.

Yet, I am told by other RT owners that RT is aware of this problem. Seems odd they would not answer my queries and also not post a service bulletin since the problem is widespread and constitutes a hazard.

Joe
 
Update:

Tim Bates of Ranger Tugs called me and we discussed the issue. He was very friendly and helpful. He sent me pictures of the 'fix' for my issue, which are actually pictures of tugs currently on the assembly line. Simply, they are installing a spacer between the bracket and the bulkhead, ie, stringer, that will re-position the nylon bracket into the 'slot' moulded in to the fuel tank.

Procedure is to first use up the fuel to lighten the weight, then remove the four nylon brackets, center the fuel tank, insert the spacers, the reattach the brackets with spacers in place. That will re-position the brackets to more securely hold the fuel tank in place.

Problem remains for me is how to reach the two forward nylon brackets to be able to insert the new spacers.

Tim did say he does not believe the 'decking' in the cave area, that is directly above the fuel tank, is glued in place; rather it is held in place with only with screws, so it can be removed with damage. Removing the deck pieces should afford direct access to the two forward brackets.

Once I get the spacers, I'll give it a try.

Will advise,

Joe
 
Hello DocJoe,

I've been following this topic. I too have a 2019 R23. It was purchased used so if I find the same issue I'll be doing the fix. In your most recent post you say "Tim did say he does not believe the 'decking' in the cave area, that is directly above the fuel tank, is glued in place; rather it is held in place with only with screws, so it can be removed with damage. Removing the deck pieces should afford direct access to the two forward brackets." I'm wondering if Tim actually said "with damage" or was that a typo?

Fingers crossed.

Doug
 
We have the soft decking material on our R23 including in the cave. No way to see the screws without messing up the decking material
 
We have no soft decking in our cave.
 
I tried removing the decking in the cave. That idea is totally impractical. The decking goes in to far under the salon walls. Took all the screws out and it does not budge.
 
Just checked mine and one bracket is pressing on side of tank also. Hope the factory can come up with a solution, no access to these forward brackets that I see. Full tank :/
Following………??????
Jimmy
 
Fuel Bracket update.

I was prepared to remove the plywood decking in the cave but after I removed all of the screws I realized the plywood goes ALL the way across the starboard side. You can also see this if you open the rear hatch and look above the fuel tank. One continuous piece of plywood!

One other person on here had success by cutting an opening for an access hatch in the cave. I found a 8 x 12 hatch that looked like it might work so I laid out the required opening and cut the hole in the cave floor. I was able to remove the forward and the center bracket on the port side. Its a long stretch to blindly get a screwdriver on the screws on the starboard side. Obvious the two rear brackets are "easily" removed from the rear hatch area.

SO that leaves the forward and center brackets on the starboard side. Regrouping and looking at tools and ideas how I might be able to get the other two brackets off. Really don't want to cut a hole in the floor underneath the runner in the galley area.

By the way there are 6 brackets on my 2019 R23 not 4 as mentioned earlier.

I see more and more folks have the same issue. Others probably not had a chance to look yet.

What say you Ranger Tugs?
 
My center starboard bracket was rubbing the side of the fuel tank. Was able to stick a piece of wood forward on the port side to keep the front of tank from shifting. I then pried the rear to port easing the pressure on the middle starboard bracket. Using a four foot piece of 1/2 black pipe as a leaver and a board to protect the fuel tank I was able to pry bracket back to where it belongs. I then shifted the rear of tank back to center. Tomorrow I will use Great Stuff expanding foam with an extra long tubing to apply to both sides forward and aft at the base of the fuel tank to keep it from shifting. All in all it was an easy fix. Fuel tank is full and it shifted no problem. If the forward most ones are the problem…..good luck.
Jimmy
 
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