Took out my gas tank to find many holes

[Bosts1]

This weekend i noticed we were leaking fuel pretty bad. So yesterday I took out the remaining thirty gallons and put in containers. And then i removed the tank. I just cut around the tank with a hand saw to free the foam, and then hoisted it out. it wasn't as easy as it sounds but we got it all done in a few hours. After removal we found 18 holes in the tank, some as large as a half dollar. My dads friend is going to weld me a new one i think, but until then i am just going to shove a couple smaller tanks in the hole to keep me fishing the next week or so. All in all it wasn't to bad. but that foam holding water sure did a number on the aluminum tank in my v!!!

[randlemanboater]

There are two kinds of V-20s with floor tanks, those with new tanks, and those that need one.

[csvencer]

Was your tank aluminum? I am beginning to think mine has a leak somewhere, everytime I refuel the bilge smells like gas, but only when I fill up. Thinking it may be the fill or vent hookup.

If you don't mind me asking...what's a new tank going to set you back?

-Svence

[Pipe_Dream]

Was your tank aluminum? I am beginning to think mine has a leak somewhere, everytime I refuel the bilge smells like gas, but only when I fill up. Thinking it may be the fill or vent hookup.
-Svence
As already noted, these tanks become more problematic with age. If you're lucky it may be just that you need to replace the filler and vent hoses. You should be able to get a decent look at them through access plates -- I think they were pretty standardized locations for that exact purpose. Years ago I had that problem (long before I eventually had to replace the tank) and had a friend pump fuel while I checked for leaks. I replaced both hoses and double-clamped them, and that took care of the gas fumes. Whatever you do, don't put off finding the source of that gas smell. It can be very dangerous!
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j228/4MyDogs/Wellcraft/PA090528.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j228/4MyDogs/Wellcraft/PA090532.jpg

[Bosts1]

Yes it is aluminum, and the foam was holding water and thus caused some serious corrosion.

[nymack66]

Please check this place out in Tampa Florida v20 tanks in stock ..
http://www.fpmarine.com

[Bosts1]

Just call them they said they didn't have any. Will keep looking....

[nymack66]

Maybe this will work for you http://www.wellcraftv20.com/community/showthread.php?t=9333

[nymack66]

Just remember I got my bow rails from a member here "FLY" his number is 321-543-3858 , When I met him he did ask if I know anyone looking for a fuel tank!! Please call him maybe he still has it..Good luck ..

[macojoe]

Look in classifieds there is a tank there that might work??

[Seacrets]

Flounder Pounder is located in Cape Canaveral on the east coast of Fl. Aluminum Marine Products in Perry Fl. made the original 60 gallon tanks. They're located in Perry, Fl. 850-223-1899.

[Bosts1]

Thanks to all who you guys have sent some good info. Today i got all the foam out and cleaned out the tank compartment so its all good fiberglass. Now my question is....in the bottom of my tank compartment there is a piece of PVC to direct water flow from front to back of bilge. is this factory?? if so this compartment should be water, though we all know it is not since that is why i am having to replace a tank. So i am looking for suggestions on how to put a drain in so that water does not collect in the tank compartment ever again. Is this ok to do or will it in some way compromise the integrity of anything by putting a drain in?? any ideas, and has anyone done this???? Thanks again guys, this forum is filled with knowledge.

[THEFERMANATOR]

The compartment itself is water tight. The problem comes from the fact that an aluminum tank sweats. There really isn't much you can do about it either. This is why WELLCRAFT went to poly tanks later on.

[whale]

Thanks to all who you guys have sent some good info. Today i got all the foam out and cleaned out the tank compartment so its all good fiberglass. Now my question is....in the bottom of my tank compartment there is a piece of PVC to direct water flow from front to back of bilge. is this factory?? if so this compartment should be water, though we all know it is not since that is why i am having to replace a tank. So i am looking for suggestions on how to put a drain in so that water does not collect in the tank compartment ever again. Is this ok to do or will it in some way compromise the integrity of anything by putting a drain in?? any ideas, and has anyone done this???? Thanks again guys, this forum is filled with knowledge.

This PVC is factory.....I removed it when I installed my new tank. There is room for water to flow underneath. The pvc I am presuming was put in place to keep the foam from blocking the drainage when it was applied. If you don't foam the new tank in, pvc is not needed.

[Bosts1]

So Ferm, should i go with a poly tank??? I think there was more than just sweat in this "watertight" compartment. There was a good bit of water in there and a lot of corrosion. Thanks.

[THEFERMANATOR]

Aluminum tanks are fine, but you have to remember that around saltwater they are going to corrode eventually. Unfortunately there is no perfect replacement tank. Poy tanks don't hold there shape very well ,and many believe they will vent fumes to the bilge once they age. Fiberglass tanks don't last with ethanol in fuel, and aluminum will corrode and rot around the salt. Stainless would be nice, but would cost what the hull is worth to have one built probably.

[Bosts1]

Svence - hopefully our buddy can weld me one for a couple hundred, but new ones from a tank company are around 6 or 7?? Custom tanks are high apparently. And yes, it is aluminum.

[Bygracealone]

So Ferm, should i go with a poly tank??? I think there was more than just sweat in this "watertight" compartment. There was a good bit of water in there and a lot of corrosion. Thanks.

The water also comes in from above... If the seal around the cover on the deck isn't tight, or if the floor hasn't been painted in a while, then water makes its way down there...

[Bosts1]

Right Grace, so how can i drain this compartment to prevent water buildup????????

[macojoe]

Some people do not foam the new tank in, they strap0 them down on rubber to stop chafing. This will allow air around the tank to keep it dry.

But the tank in your boat is 84 which means 24 years old!! What are the chances you are going to have to worry about it a 2nd time??

[Bosts1]

Maco i guess you are right, but this is a pain in my @$$ so i wanted to do it right. cause who knows how long it will be around?????? Maybe could save the next person these troubles. I dont have a who cares attitude when it comes to boat repair. so i will come up with a way to fix this. But for the meatime i will still fish with a little less gas in several more tanks :)

[THEFERMANATOR]

I've considered going with an aluminum tank and then wrap it in fiberglass and epoxy resin it to it. This should stop moisture from effecting the outside, and wouldn't have the problems of fiberglass internally.

[Bosts1]

Was wondering about that, i figure that would help. But would it really be worth it?? I am trying to see if a buddy of mine will weld me a tank, if i can get it done cheap or cheaper, then i will see about coating it, just to check and see if it works. hmmmm, could be like an experiment ;)

[spareparts]

how about just building a tank with epoxy and glass? would the epoxy hold up to gas(and ethanol)? Big Shrimpin built a bracket out of wood and glass, why not build a uel tank out of glass? i wonder if you would have to coat the inside with anything. All the suits involing ethanol and fuel tanks are older tanks that were built with regular resin. I've seen large storgae tanks built out of glass, didn' know what they were holding though, just an idea to ponder over.

[Bosts1]

I thought that the new cheap gas with ethanol in it will eat through glass tanks. Now this is getting crazy and ridiculous, but if you built a glass tank and coated inside with a polymer base that should work. Just not worth it. Ha ha oh well. maybe i have no idea what i am talking about......

[bradford]

A new custom tank cost me $550 a few years ago from Mattson & Co in Tampa FL. 813-248-8265.
Ask for a guy named Colin, the owner and a super nice guy. www.seamount-mattson.com (http://www.seamount-mattson.com)

[parishht]

If I recall, Stinky Hooker (Stinky where are you) had something made of aluminum
that he then powder coated, I think it was a bracket.

I remember this becasue I was very surprised by powder coating of aluminum.

[fishingwithblue]

Bosts1:beer: I too am a tank replacement surviver. I pulled my original 60 gallon tank because I thought it was leaking. Turned out it was a broken vent hose. Anyway, I have the tank in the back yard and all it needs is a scrub, a pressure test, a couple spot welds where I hooked chain to it and a good coat of paint.......seriously it's in pretty good shape and could be made fully functional in less than a weekend. You are welcome to it if you want it.......I see you are in SC so it may or may not be worth the drive with gas and all...just a suggestion,,,,good luck!

[Bosts1]

Fishingwithblue, check your messages, thanks

[nymack66]

Just remember I got my bow rails from a member here "FLY" his number is 321-543-3858 , When I met him he did ask if I know anyone looking for a fuel tank!! Please call him maybe he still has it..Good luck ..

Here is his ad for the Tank , http://www.wellcraftv20.com/community/showthread.php?t=9333