Fuel Tank

[Hooper]

Question for you guys....

I have a 1983 23' C/C with the original tank in it, I believe. It is a 147 gallon tank and so far I haven't caught a whiff of fuel to indicate that it could be getting tired. Someone who is restoring his 23' inboard told me I am on borrowed time now.

Any thoughts? How long has a tank lasted before needing a replacement?

Thanks, Hooper [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

[Miles Offshore]

Hooper, sounds like you are getting good advise. Your tank at 19 years old may be pushing it. I would recommend at least doing a good inspection of it. Pits in the aluminum should be pretty obvious on the top and sides but its the ones on the bottom tat can be trouble. Depending on where a pinhole could be , you might not ever smell fuel, but you might notice a lot of water in your fuel.I dont think the tanks are foamed in, but if they are, water gets caught in between foam and the tank and accelerates the corrosion. I am getting ready to inspect my 2 55 gallon tanks shortly.Good Luck, let us know what you find if you do inspect it-Craig

[Hooper]

Thanks Craig, looking forward to doing some off season projects while it is still realtively warm. I'll add that to the list!

-Hooper

[AlexT]

One thing to consider; if you're running an inboard, you need to be MUCH more careful about fuel leaking. That is not to say that you should not consider a new tank, just that with an inboard a leak can be more immediately fatal than with an outboard.

[Howard Hill]

If the tank is in good shape when you remove it one alternative is to epoxy it. Mine had no corrosion so when I pulled it out so, at a boat yards recommendation, I epoxed the entire thing with west epoxy and put it back in.

Good Luck,

[TUGBOAT]

Hooper
I have a '83 20' I was out when it started leakimg !1 1/2 years ago.Glad I had an outboard.It was foamed in, not now.I will put very little in just for movement /vibration.

[Runco]

Had a 1984 Grady CC tank went south in 1996, just got pourous and started leaking. The tank wasn't painted or treated in an way and just sat in the bottom firmly held down with straps. It was supposed to be isolated by a bulkhead from the bilge area in the motor well area. Needless to say it was replaced and painted with some sort of special marine paint. I bought the 1985 Seacraft and almost immediately (parnoia) checked the tank and replaced all fill and vent hoses. The tank is a 144 gal and I was pleased to see it is mounted above the bilge and is Zinc chromated painted. I have been told this should last a long time, if it is kept out of the bilge water and if the paint coating stays on. I am not sure age has anything to do with the life of a tank.

[Hooper]

Thanks for all your replies everyone. The har part to me seems to be getting a good look at what's going on with it as it is mounted beneath the decking