posted 07-21-2014 01:01 PM ET (US)     

I noticed fuel, a few ounces in the fish locker. This cannot be a good thing. The boat has been sitting on the trailer for a couple of years, I have had the plug from fuel tank (54 Gal) cavity removed to keep it dry.

I think the only way that fuel is ending up in the fish locker is if there is a compromise in the fuel tank.

The setback for me is that I just finished putting the deck, fuel tank cover back together. The tank looked pretty good from the top, so I took a chance on the integrity of the tank.

Options and next steps:
Have tank pressure tested, have to find out who can do it reliably.

If new tank is needed:
- Any references for fuel tank builders in the Los Angeles area?
- Florida Marine Tanks ($600) 0.125 aluminum gauge , freight would be significant.

Tank before cover was put back on.
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3862/14522760649_f50d5abd5b_c.jpg

Fuel evidence
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5564/14686730256_3d347bc6f5_c.jpg

posted 07-21-2014 01:24 PM ET (US)         

I replaced all fuel hoses and sender unit when I opened the cover a couple of months ago. Boat has been sitting for a long time and only has about 5 gallons in it.

I had drained the tank 6 months ago and put in those 5 gallons to test the engine.

Although your comments on the fuel lines lead me to check if any of this fuel is getting condensed from somewhere.

When I installed the fuel hoses I noticed after a couple of days some streak down the hull on the outside from the fuel vent. I attributed this to evaporation and condensation in the tank venting out.

Some additional info on the quote I had from the original manufacturer:

posted 07-21-2014 07:26 PM ET (US)            

Stripped everything off, putting everything back new ore stored.

Removed floor, gas tank had heavy pitting on top, but wire brushed up pretty good.

Made me nervous though, and it didn't want to have to do this job twice, so I sawed through the foam around the tank and pulled /pried the original ALUMINUM tank out.

What a huge mess. Sides and read of tank were cached in white corrosion 1/2" thick....was the equivalent of rust made of chalk...

As I brushed the white stuff off, there were holes everywhere, many big enough to stick a pencil through. The foam had "sealed" the tank and I had not noticed a leak, per we, although I did catch the faint smell of fuel, which I didn't like.

Said all that to say that I am SO GLAD I pulled the tank out. I've since ordered a new 63 gallon one...coming out of Tampa, FLA area, made of the best aluminum, USCG stamped, baffled, pressure tested, etc., I hope to have it here this week. Around $845 shipped, no paint...bare aluminum. All fittings similar to original.

I shopped hard, and sought several estimates. All estimates were close, except one, which was nearly $1500. Shipping was about $100 for me, but I'm about 400 miles from builder.

I chose no paint, no ceramic, as I read online where bare aluminum is chose on some uscg rigs, as aluminum the article indicated, built up a corrosion barrier, naturally. True or not, it made sense to me.

If you had an email, I'd send you pictures of my old tank that you would not believe. Again, I am very thankful to have caught this somewhat non obvious and highly critical safety issue. When I get done, it should be as new, and that "mechanically correct" peace of mind is similar to the feeling I get when riding in the best built and unsinkable legend.

posted 07-22-2014 11:08 AM ET (US)         

I replaced all hoses.

Elvis,

Thanks for sharing, I had the same predicament when I opened the floor but thought the tank could last a bit longer.

I am getting estimates from builders locally, in the $575-875 with powder coating. I think I prefer to have the raw aluminum and use this technique to install.

posted 07-22-2014 03:52 PM ET (US)         

I think this test pretty much eliminates the need to have a pressure test done on the tank. It is is leaking fuel.

Before
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2896/14719331172_a7c9d6d64e_c.jpg

posted 07-22-2014 06:22 PM ET (US)            

I wonder if your fuel problem could be something other than a corroded out, leaking tank, which is what mine was bigtime.

Not sure what else it could be, but before spending on a new tank, I would want to know exactly what I have, get accurate measurements for new one, etc.

Replacing the tank with new means pulling the old out anyway...right?

Thank you for the link to the article, very interesting and helpful info.

If there was a way to post pictures of my tank on here I'd do it...I have NEVER seen an aluminum boat gas tank as "rusted out" as mine, pretty crazy.

posted 07-22-2014 06:33 PM ET (US)         

I plan to drain the tank as much as I can, use a portable 6 gallon tank to launch the boat and use it for the next two months so that I can get some water time this season.