Official 390 E.C. Thread

Started the process of removing foam under the water tank (and under the generator). My tank does not seem to leak and the foam isn't too wet. However, does anyone know of a sealer which could be poured into the tank, churned around, to add another layer of protection? I've seen such sealing liquids for gas tanks.
 
rgp717 said:
Started the process of removing foam under the water tank (and under the generator). My tank does not seem to leak and the foam isn't too wet. However, does anyone know of a sealer which could be poured into the tank, churned around, to add another layer of protection? I've seen such sealing liquids for gas tanks.
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If I went to that much trouble to remove the tank to get at the foam I wouldn't fool around with it and just replace it. Any sealant put in the tank would render the water useless in my opinion.
 
I second Hottoddie, and if your tank does not leak then your windows do and or your anchor area is leaking.
 
Hey everyone, any more room over here? After spending the last few years over on “The big old 80’s 340 owners thread”, Family Time has sold and we now have a 1989 390EC under agreement, just waiting on the survey.
Can we come and play over here?
Fair warning though, I’ve been told that I’m long winded (clearly), and like to post pics, sorry.
 
Monty848 said:
Hey everyone, any more room over here? After spending the last few years over on “The big old 80’s 340 owners thread”, Family Time has sold and we now have a 1989 390EC under agreement, just waiting on the survey.
Can we come and play over here?
Fair warning though, I’ve been told that I’m long winded (clearly), and like to post pics, sorry.
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Welcome aboard Monty!
 
I need a hug. Survey showed elevated moisture in 3 out 4 engine stringers. I decided to walk away from it.
I just realized two things, we can do MORE boat shopping and I can hug my wife! I feel better already, thanks for the talk folks, it really helped!
 
Monty848 said:
I need a hug. Survey showed elevated moisture in 3 out 4 engine stringers. I decided to walk away from it.
I just realized two things, we can do MORE boat shopping and I can hug my wife! I feel better already, thanks for the talk folks, it really helped!
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Just curious as to what method was used to determine the elevated moisture levels in the stringers.
 
My surveyor uses a fairly high end moisture meter. I don’t know the model. He did say that whenever he does a follow up core sample, it’s always been accurate. He’s a member of our club, and long time highly respected surveyor.
 
DDCD710C-08C6-40BA-B077-2252EA152F96.jpeg


Bye bye Family Time!
 

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rgp717 said:
Thanks everyone for the advice; I think you're right. I'll replace the aluminum tank with a plastic one. For me, I think I'll go smaller, like a 60 gallon tank. That way, I'll be able to keep my access hole accessible. I found a 55 gallon tank (https://www.plastic-mart.com/product/10656/duracast-55-gallon-rectangle-plastic-tank-200055); price is OK but shipping is nuts. I'm in Sandusky. Any other suggestions?
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Having done this same project just a couple of years ago I would suggest that you place all of your connections on top of the tank similar to the original tank. I used a Dura-weld tank from Florida they are a little pricey but definitely worth the price. I ended up with about a 70-72 gallon tank.

Rick
 
When I bought my 390 it had an 85 gallon plastic tank already installed. Don't know the make but it pretty much fills the space of the original 100 gallon tank.
 
rgp717 said:
I found a 55 gallon tank (https://www.plastic-mart.com/product/10656/duracast-55-gallon-rectangle-plastic-tank-200055); price is OK but shipping is nuts.
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I'm going through the same process with my '85 390. (Note to self, pay for the damn survey next time!)
I pulled an FMC tank that was installed in 2005 and am trying to mitigate water in the center bilge (port lights...) before I purchase and install a new tank. They still make the exact coated aluminum model at FMC and it can be yours for only ~ $1,700 + shipping! Probably like you, I searched and searched and found that there is just no reasonably pried polypropyl tank out there that will fit our required height dimensions and meet original or close to original capacity.

The best one I located is also at Plastic-Mart, maybe you saw it: 80 gallons with an 11" height and they'll put holes wherever you want them to. https://www.plastic-mart.com/product/1507/80-gallon-rectangle-poly-tank-rb230 It's $550 plus ~$300 shipping (Georgia), but I think this is about the closest one can get for under a grand. At the end of the day, just about everything costs a grand on these old boats, doesn't it? Ask me how I know. :eek:(

Since I'm on a smaller inland lake, capacity isn't as much of an issue and, in fact, neither is potability. So I'm thinking of just welding an aluminum sheet on the (very holey) bottom of the tank I pulled and then retapping the holes and flipping it over- making the clean, coated top the new bottom. That will be about half the cost of a new poly tank and should give me 10-15 years. Decisions, decisions...
 
Does anyone know who supplied the steering wheels for the early 390's? Was it a 15" Attwood like in the attached pic? From the pics I've seen on other EC's it looks correct, as far as being stainless w/6 spokes.
Someone replaced the one on my boat with a smaller wooden model like on newer boats, and I just don't like it. Would really like to go back to an original wheel if I can find one. Not sure about the hub either, as in are they generally exchangeable/can I use the one from my current wheel if I buy a used one with the wrong hub? Also, if anyone has an extra one they'd be willing to part with, please PM me.
 

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WaltL said:
Does anyone know who supplied the steering wheels for the early 390's? Was it a 15" Attwood like in the attached pic? From the pics I've seen on other EC's it looks correct, as far as being stainless w/6 spokes.
Someone replaced the one on my boat with a smaller wooden model like on newer boats, and I just don't like it. Would really like to go back to an original wheel if I can find one. Not sure about the hub either, as in are they generally exchangeable/can I use the one from my current wheel if I buy a used one with the wrong hub? Also, if anyone has an extra one they'd be willing to part with, please PM me.
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WaltL
I’m not sure what the diameter is but it does have 6 spokes.
Rick
 

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Looked at an 89 390 today. Boat was in great shape but had about 1/2 water sitting in the large center hatch in the floor of the galley. All other hatches were dry. Anchor locker showed a little moisture but no standing water. Hatch under front bed was basically dry, felt slightly damp, but there was an old life jacket laying in the bottom and it was dry and not mildewed. All hatches are still carpeted and very clean.
We had massive rains yesterday in the area. Also noticed a leak at the rear of the window in the mid cabin. I have read this entire thread and I’m aware of the saturated foam and water tank issue but wondering if there is a definitive way to check for this without cutting holes. I believe the carpet is all original, so tank has not been replaced. Any ideas?
Thanks!
 
Ky Tundra said:
Looked at an 89 390 today. Boat was in great shape but had about 1/2 water sitting in the large center hatch in the floor of the galley. All other hatches were dry. Anchor locker showed a little moisture but no standing water. Hatch under front bed was basically dry, felt slightly damp, but there was an old life jacket laying in the bottom and it was dry and not mildewed. All hatches are still carpeted and very clean.
We had massive rains yesterday in the area. Also noticed a leak at the rear of the window in the mid cabin. I have read this entire thread and I’m aware of the saturated foam and water tank issue but wondering if there is a definitive way to check for this without cutting holes. I believe the carpet is all original, so tank has not been replaced. Any ideas?
Thanks!
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Ky Tundra
Another source of water besides the water tank could be an over flowing shower sump if the over flow hose is clogged with junk it will over flow into that space.
Rick
 
Ricochet said:
Ky Tundra
Another source of water besides the water tank could be an over flowing shower sump if the over flow hose is clogged with junk it will over flow into that space.
Rick
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Yes, I checked out the sump. Appeared to be in good shape. And this boat is winterized and sump is filled w antifreeze. This was straight water. But thanks.
 
Thanks everybody for your advice. I still can't make up my mind. One thing for sure: I will NOT put a tank in the floor and then seal it all up again. I want the tank to be forever accessible, so I'll make some floor locker hatches (my floor will be wood not carpet). Lately, I've been considering a couple of separate tanks, perhaps two joined plastic 35 gallon tanks. Smaller tanks, so don't need to worry about baffles. Easier to replace one or both. Still just thinking it through. I'm in no hurry to get the job done.
 
Did not like idea of trying to make a plastic tank fit. So I sanded the bottom of the original water tank. Acid etched it. Then hand played 4 layers of mat and cloth with West Epoxy system. After dried coated with the coating used in pickup beds to protect them from scratching and denting.. This coating made for a nice barrier coat between the tank and floor.
 
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