1996 180ZX Gas Tank Removal

[Dh0ckey11]

Does anyone know how to remove the gas tank from a 1996 Skeeter 180ZX? The pic is as far as I can get it out. If the back hatch was a quarter inch wider, it would be easy, and as it is I might be able to get it out with a come along. Hopefully there is a better way, but I can't puzzle it out. Last resort will be cutting into the fiberglass to make the hole bigger and having to patch it. I just bought this boat and it is going to be a big restore project, so I don't want to be adding to the to do list!!! Thanks for the help. This site is awesome as a first time boat owner.
Boat gas tank.jpg

[skeeter_tzx]

You'll need to remove the top cap. Might not be a bad idea since it's a 96. If it was stored out in the weather it may need the stringers rebuilt.

[joeincharlotte]

I've heard that over time they will swell. Probably what has happened. Do a search, I've seen at least one thread on it.

[Dh0ckey11]

I think that is the case here. I've only been able to find one thread for a 97 skeeter that suggested using a come along or hoist to yank it out. I tried and decided to stop before something broke. So far I have been able to work around it, but it has made things a bit more difficult.

[HUB]

I have a 97 Skeeter and the fuel tank and rear deck opening looks just like the one in your picture. I have had to pull mine out twice. I did use a come along but I didn't just "yank" it out. I ran some rope around each end of the tank and had a come along for each rope, I would put a little tensoin one the ropes and then try to work the tank up a little at a time adding tensoin to the ropes as they loosened. Once I got the tank to where I could turn it up (front of tank looking up) it got a little easier. It took me about 3 hours to get it out. It is frustrating but it will come out, I hope this helps.

HUB

[rxskeeter]

Hmm... i have a 94 with a 33 gallon tank and mine will just barely slip out. Maybe your tank sides balloned a little bit?

[Skeet Skeet-er]

Yours looks identical to mine 97 Skeeter SS 150. Mine won't come out as well, started a thread here years ago about it. Not much response but by looking at yours and comparing mine, top cap needs to come off or cut as you said. I thought about cutting tank out and replacing it with smaller but I just live with leaking livewells. I'v ehad them over 5 years now. Can't see splitting the cap to change some valves, next guy can do it.

[Skeeter9948]

I'm going to have the same issue. I just had a livewell spring a leak and have tried to remove the tank once to replace the valves. Instead of messing with this any further I'm going to take it in and let the shop see if they can work around the livewells. It's ridiculous how poor the set up was on these skeeters for accessing the pumps. You and I have spoke a time or two in the past and you gave me some pointers on how to get the tank out.....luckily I was able to replace the pumps no problem, but to find a leaking hose I have a feeling it will likely be a bigger issue.