1996 17 OUTRAGE Fuel Tank Drain

Repair or modification of Boston Whaler boats, their engines, trailers, and gear
Mcl335
Posts: 2
Joined: Tue May 17, 2022 9:20 pm

1996 17 OUTRAGE Fuel Tank Drain

Postby Mcl335 » Tue May 17, 2022 9:31 pm

Q1: should I cut lower drainage holes when replacing the fuel tank in my 1996 17 OUTRAGE?

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Phil T
Posts: 2602
Joined: Thu Oct 22, 2015 6:08 pm
Location: Was Maine. Temporarily Kentucky

Re: 1996 17 OUTRAGE Fuel Tank Drain

Postby Phil T » Wed May 18, 2022 8:21 am

No. [Cutting new and lower drain holes] is not necessary and would be a significant task that involves cutting into the liner which should be avoided at all costs.

The prevailing advice when replacing the fuel tank is to use expanding foam in the corners to hold the tank down. Leaving gaps will allow any moisture to evaporate.

The alternate advice is to use blocking strips of composite material as shims for the sides and omit the foam completely.

The typical lifespan of an aluminum tank is 30 years. Do you think you will still own the boat in 2052?
1992 Outrage 17
2019 E-TEC 90
2018 LoadRite 18280096VT
Member since 2003

Mcl335
Posts: 2
Joined: Tue May 17, 2022 9:20 pm

Re: 1996 17 OUTRAGE Fuel Tank Drain

Postby Mcl335 » Wed May 18, 2022 11:23 am

It’s the hole that goes back toward the bilge area. It seem 1.5” too high. Plus there is an empty space in there which also can collect water.
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