Caulk panel ?

steplift20 · #1 04-01-2022, 01:11 PM

78 wellcraft, the big panel in the middle that's screwed down I removed the caulk but my question is this
Do I or should I caulk it or the screws are good enough

SkunkBoat · #2 04-01-2022, 08:00 PM

The fuel tank hatch MUST be sealed.

steplift20 · #3 04-02-2022, 08:44 AM

Ok thanks, do you ever remove it? To look under so I should caulk it, that's what I always did but was thinking do I have to?
Thanks

SkunkBoat · #4 04-02-2022, 11:42 AM

Yes, Looked in there every year, inspect tank and hoses and foam, cleaned then sealed.

On most of the V20 models and years, that is a dry space. There is a pvc pipe running under the aluminum fuel tank to pass water from fwd bilge to aft blge.
That space does not drain to the bilge so you have to seal it. otherwise the water sits on top of the foam around the tank, some leaks down and corrodes the tank.

Use Window & Gutter silicone or 4000UV to seal. DO NOT USE 5200 or 4200 they are nearly impossible to remove

I'm not sure of the 1978 models. They did not have overboard deck drains and maybe didn't have foam around tank? They might have had saddle tanks???

steplift20 · #5 04-02-2022, 05:08 PM

Thanks skunk I have a 55 gallon belly tank ( plastic) my original tank leaked years ago and was replaced.

Duke01 · #6 04-03-2022, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steplift20

Thanks skunk I have a 55 gallon belly tank ( plastic) my original tank leaked years ago and was replaced.

I have a 78 cuddy, and still have the original 46 gallon aluminum tank, and it is foamed in. It will probably be the catalyst for a repower and transom rebuild down the road. A short Michigan season probably extends boat life, but a gas leak can't be too far out (?).