New Tank Questions

fillet1 · #1 01-26-2005, 01:31 PM

My boat is an 85 with the original tank. It seems that many of you with newer boats have had to replace their fuel tank.

Can anyone make me feel better and tell me that their older boat's original tank is still fine?

What signs can I look for NOW that will tell me whether the tank is ok or not? I have plenty of time now to replace it if necessary. I'd hate to put it in the slip for the season and then have to pull it to swap out the tank.

Thanks.

#2 01-26-2005, 04:27 PM

As far as I know, there are no signs that will indicate a failing tank unless you are willing
to pull the tank to examine it. A visual examination will revael pitting, corrosion, and
errosion of the metal. As far as I know, thats about all you can do.

As far as tank longivity, I have had two privious boats that had tank failures. One was a
galvanized steel tank that started leaking at 16 years old. The other was an aluminum
tank that went at 21 years old. In both cases, the leaks were very small, but the symotoms
were immediatlly noticeable; very strong odor of gas.

My '91 V-20 has a plastic tank, so I'm hoping I won't have any problems with it.

macojoe · #3 01-26-2005, 04:36 PM

remove the hatch cover were the tank is. Look and smell for gas.

I have above side tanks on my 1975 and they are oringal and still have many years to go!!

If you remove the tank you can have it persurer tested to be sure it is ok!

Good luck!

Pipe_Dream · #4 01-27-2005, 02:48 PM

Trust your nose! You can try to pressure test the tank without removing it, but it won't be 100% accurate because the foam or wood may mask any problems (see my gallery for pics of my tank, the worst hole was right under one of the wood strips that secure the tank in place). Like MJ said, remove the hatch and sniff. If you can, do it while you're filling the tank. If you smell any gas, you have a problem.