Thanks for the tip on the Bennetts Spare. I have installed several pair w/o a problem so I know exactly what you are saying. It never gets that tight feel, the plastic just keeps on swelling. I've been putting it off because access to the inside is a PITA on the port side of this Whaler. I will take it off completely for the repair and report back. Also I need some of the little 90 degree radius makers that Bennett supplies in their kit. Annodized steel aint cutting it.
The fuel problem stinks. The Whaler has fuel from Thanksgiving. Stabilized but still, all my Opti has is the filter under the cowl.