Fuel tank section drainage

[cliffpaul2]

Does the section below the floor that holds the fuel tank have any drainage? I opened up the hatch that covers the fuel tank and found some old moldy water sitting on top of the tank. This water obviously leaked through the joint between the hatch and the floor, but why would it stay there? Could it be that the drainage channel was foamed in when the tank was installed or reinstalled?

Does anyone have any ideas for modifictions to solve this problem? Unfortunately, the water is always going to get in there because, in my opinion, this cover was poorly designed by Wellcraft.

[reelapeelin]

Cliff, I'd put that cover back down and do a better job than Wellcraft w/ some 4200 sealin' it back up...don't forget Franco's trick w/ the mono line... ;)...

[macojoe]

There was someone here who said that the drain was a poor set up.

He made a nice platform under the new tank which left pleanty of room for drainage to the bildge.

I wish I could rember who it was, or at least the thread? I try finding it?

[reelapeelin]

Sounds more like Clifff's problem is H2o on top OF THE TANK...are stringers, foam, etc. forming a dam around the edge of the tank?...if so, can an outlet be cut ouuta the back to allow it to drain?...you'd wanna glass the new-cut surfaces so rot doesn't set in there... ;)...

[Airslot]

I pulled my tank cover up last year. I ran a very generous bead of GE Silicone II caulk that filled the channel where the deck piece sits and screwed back down, problem solved. The silicone came in gray which was the same color as my deck.

Airslot

[Mulv80]

MJ, the thread about the poor drain setup was Stinky's. Pictures are in his gallery. Where has Stinky been anyway?

[cliffpaul2]

Yes, the water is on top of the tank because there is foam all around the edges that creates a reservoir. What I guess I'm trying to figure out, is if cutting away some the foam to create a channel for the water will do any good. Without lifting the tank I can't tell if there is a drain underneath it or not. If there is, where is it located?

I agree that I'll have to use silicone to seal up the hatch, but I'm amazed that this should have to be done to a boat that seems to be so well designed otherwise.

[macojoe]

well its a 26 year old boat, nothing stays sealed forever!!

[cliffpaul2]

Did they come from the factory sealed with silicone?

[reelapeelin]

I doubt they used silicone...more likely a marine grade sealant w/ low adheasive qualities...just like 3M 4200, which is what you oughta use to put 'er back ;)....

[macojoe]

Theres no doubt that they sealed it, but it was sealed so that it coukld come up some day if it had to!

When you ready to put it all back toghter do as stated above!!

Take a piece of heavy mono (100# would be nice) and seal the hole thing with the mono sticking out a little.
When its time to pull again, just grab the mono and pull it to cut the sealer so you just can lift it right back up!!

That was the Tip of the year from "Franco" and a Dam good one also!~