Mako 28.4 fuel tank

[Jcmako]

Do you have to cut the deck to replace the fuel tank on my 2006 28.4” mako?

 

[crazy charlie]

Center console??

 

[Jcmako]

Yes

 

[tpenfield]

Seems like it has a single 235 gallon fuel tank (?)

Is the fuel tank leaking?

Here are some screen shots (below) from a factory tour video, not sure of what model year vintage these are from though . . . probably 2012-15 ish, but 2006 may be substantially the same.

Looks like the fuel tank runs in the mid-section of the boat up to the bulkhead that is under the center console doghouse. The tank is definitely installed before the deck assembly is joined to the hull. Also looks like the tank in bolted down to the main stringers along its length.

I would think that you would need to look to see if there is a removeable section of deck under the helm seat assembly leading up to the console doghouse. If not then it is a matter of removing the deck assembly/cap . . . or as you suggested cutting the cockpit sole/deck, which could be a bit tricky.

Maybe contact Mako to discuss . . .

 

[Scott Danforth]

what are the reasons you think you need to replace the tank?

 

[Jcmako]

Great pictures. Thank you. Yes it is a single tank and looks like either way the helm console would need to be removed. It’s only when I totally fill the tank up do I smell the gas in the back pump hatch and the open the door to the below deck head. It could possibly be in the fuel fill fuel line. Couple weeks ago I only put 100 gallons in and had no smell. I appreciate your help.

 

[Jcmako]

Just from the smell when I fill it totally up

 

[Scott Danforth]

my guess is your vent or fill line has a leak, and its not the tank itself.

can you get to the hose couplings thru the inspection hatch?

 

[Jcmako]

i go to think so, from the pictures it looks like the fill connects to the front port side and the vent goes mid way on top to starboard. I’ll take a better look tomorrow. im also going to see if I can determine if there is hatches under the helm doghouse. By chance you don’t have any pics of the deck shell laying on top of hull?

 

[tpenfield]

It seems like your possibilities are the vent line as Scott mentioned (which seems to be at the forward end of the tank) . . . or a perforation or fracture somewhere at/near the top seam of the tank.

Do you get any gasoline in the bilge? or is it just fumes.

I would see if you can get at the vent line connection for inspection. Also, see if you can talk to the folks at Mako/SeaCraft . . . the probably have dealt with this before and hopefully can advise accordingly.

 

[Jcmako]

I called tracker who bought mako, they only cover boats after 2006. Where does Seacraft fit in?

 

[dingbat]

It’s only when I totally fill the tank up do I smell the gas in the back pump hatch and the open the door to the below deck head. It could possibly be in the fuel fill fuel line. Couple weeks ago I only put 100 gallons in and had no smell.

I’ve had this scenario pop up on two different boats. Both times it was the fuel fill hose.
Both times the leak was on bottom side (outside radius), where the hose transitions from vertical to horizontal

 

[dingbat]

I called tracker who bought mako, they only cover boats after 2006. Where does Seacraft fit in?

Seacraft has not existed since the 90’s.
Mako bought them, shuttered the Fla. operation and moved to NC.
Mako was then bought by Tracker who marketed a “Seacraft” hull a number of years back.

 

[Jcmako]

Seacraft has not existed since the 90’s.
Mako bought them, shuttered the Fla. operation and moved to NC.
Mako was then bought by Tracker who marketed a “Seacraft” hull a number of years back.

Good to know. Forgot to answer earlier. Mostly smell. Little film but couldn’t tell if from me or the bigger boat across from me who had a oil issue.

 

[mike_i]

Is there a tank builder in your area that can pressure test your tank?