I have a small 16 foot bristol powerboat can i remove the ribs

I have a bristol 16 powerboat and I was wondering if i could take out the ribs all together. they run from bow to stern. or could i replace them with some that run port to starbourd... What I want to do it actually cut out the center of them so that I can put in a gas tank...

 

So, you're asking if you can remove the longitudinal structural elements of your boat. Sure, so long as you put them or something with similar properties back in. Of course the hull will distort if they all come out at once, so you'll need temporary bracing.

I'm not sure how your Bristol is framed, but there are two general trains of thought in this regard: athwartship members (ribs) or longitudinal stiffeners (possibly what you have).

The two can be mixed, but it's not often done in small craft (though common in larger metal commercial boats). If you have a longitudinal system, you'd be best advised against removing and changing to a more conventional athwartship arrangement.

Pictures would be very helpful. Tanks of just about every shape and size can be installed in the most difficult of places. Think about it before you drag out the reciprocating saw.

 

pics of my boat

 

this ihat I want to do

The Black is what I want to cut out and the red is what I want to put back. You understand. And put a gas tank with a v in the bottum in that place....

 

Why not use a bladder type fuel tank and leave the structure alone?