I may buy a 1998 VENTURA 20.
Q1: are there any known significant problems with the metal fuel tank on a 1998 VENTURA 20?
ASIDE: The 1996 to 1997 DAUNTLESS 20 was rebranded as the 97 20' Dauntless was rebranded as the 1997 and 1998 VENTURA 20. The fuel tank would be the same for all four models.
Problems with Metal Fuel Tanks on 1998 VENTURA 20
Re: Problems with Metal Fuel Tanks on 1998 VENTURA 20
A "metal" fuel tank on a c.1998 Boston Whaler boat with a below deck fuel tank would likely be made by Florida Marine Tanks (FMT). The tank would be made from welded aluminum plate. Typically the fuel tank would be placed in a cavity that was molded into the hull specifically for the purpose of containing the fuel tank.
I cannot say for certain if in c.1998 a fuel tank would have been fixed in place by being surrounded with foam.
There are reports of older hulls with FMT aluminum fuel tanks having developed leaks due to corrosion of the aluminum from being in continual contact with water that was held in the surrounding foam.
However, there are plenty of FMT fuel tanks in older Boston Whaler boats that are in perfect condition.
As far as problems related to a fuel tank, more likely there could be a problem with the rubber hoses. Of particular attention is the large rubber hose that connects the fuel filler inlet fitting to the fuel tank. Typically there is a horizontal section of the hose that runs below the deck. If gasoline can be pooled and sit in that horizontal section, the hose may become permeated and soften.
The initial method of inspection of the fuel tank is to use your nose. If there is any odor of gasoline in the air space above the fuel tank, there is probably a soft hose or some small leak.
There are reports of needing to replace the fuel tanks in older hulls. FMT can typically make an exact replacement tank.
I cannot say for certain if in c.1998 a fuel tank would have been fixed in place by being surrounded with foam.
There are reports of older hulls with FMT aluminum fuel tanks having developed leaks due to corrosion of the aluminum from being in continual contact with water that was held in the surrounding foam.
However, there are plenty of FMT fuel tanks in older Boston Whaler boats that are in perfect condition.
As far as problems related to a fuel tank, more likely there could be a problem with the rubber hoses. Of particular attention is the large rubber hose that connects the fuel filler inlet fitting to the fuel tank. Typically there is a horizontal section of the hose that runs below the deck. If gasoline can be pooled and sit in that horizontal section, the hose may become permeated and soften.
The initial method of inspection of the fuel tank is to use your nose. If there is any odor of gasoline in the air space above the fuel tank, there is probably a soft hose or some small leak.
There are reports of needing to replace the fuel tanks in older hulls. FMT can typically make an exact replacement tank.
Re: Problems with Metal Fuel Tanks on 1998 VENTURA 20
Are you certain the 1998 Ventura does not have a poly fuel tank? Dauntless of that era used poly tanks.
Butch