[SkunkBoat]

The tank compartment is not a bilge area,. It is meant to be a dry compartment.
The hatch must be sealed with silicone(not 5200 because you should inspect it annually).
Tanks were foamed in place. There is a pvc pipe running under the tank to allow water from forward bilge to stern.
You say you unclogged a hole and it was a gusher. Sounds like the pvc pipe was clogged. Water came from forward.
That pipe clogs alot on old boats. You should probably cut an access hatch in the fish box to get at the forward end of the pipe and remove the piles of junk that are blocking it.
Then put a hose in there and blow out the pipe.

Did you see water drain from tank compartment? if so, there has been some modification.... or you poked a hole in the bulkhead...

Be aware that since your filler is to the stern, you probably will not get a full tank before the vent spits.


It would be a good idea to remove your gunnel rod boxes and reach down in there and clear the holes between the cross frames too. You need long arms....