Took out my gas tank to find many holes

[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.

[Bygracealone]

Originally Posted by 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.

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 ;)

[fishingwithblue]

Bosts1 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!