Fuel Tank Inspections

[kameika]

Hi.<br /><br />I'm wondering if/how everyone performs their fuel tank inspections each year?<br /><br />I have an older (1988) Larson 226-- and am a little uptight about the condition of the fuel tank.<br /><br />The trouble, of course, is how to look around at the nooks and crannies under the deck to check the condition of the tank. <br /><br />I *believe* the tank is steel, but it may be aluminum. It is painted, so it is hard to tell from the access hole.<br /><br />What areas tend to corrode the worse? (of course, where it get most wet.. But are there areas very prone to failure from your collective experience??)<br /><br />Anyhow, many thanks.<br /><br />Ken Ameika<br />Red Bank, New Jersey

 

[Solittle]

Re: Fuel Tank Inspections

There is no good way to inspect a built-in fuel tank that I know of other than being sensative to gas fumes in the bilge. You could get a sniffer for the bilge I suppose. I would be more concerned with an inboard or I/O rig due to the higher potential for an ignition source inside the hull. Since an OB hangs outside there is less danger.<br /><br />I have yet to see a post here with a fix for a leaker.

 

[brokeboater]

Re: Fuel Tank Inspections

ken, you are correct when you say areas that are prone to water. when i refurbed my old 1986 pro-line, the tank had strips of rubber/neoprene that it sat on and was under the strap that secured thae tank. that was where the majority of corrosion was. those areas held moisture.<br />i have heard of people fiberglassing over the whole tank to repair them. i bought another tank from the same company that made the original. i decides this was not an area i wanted to take a short cut.<br /><br />good luck

 

[Hooty]

Re: Fuel Tank Inspections

Use a magnet to see if it's steel or aluminum. If it's aluminum, you don' have yo worry about rust.<br /><br />c/6<br />Hooty

 

[kameika]

Re: Fuel Tank Inspections

Thank you much, gentlemen. The magnet idea: Why on earth didn't I think of this.<br /><br />I think I am getting stupid with age.<br /><br />Thank you again.<br />Ken Ameika

 

[moderator1]

Re: Fuel Tank Inspections

Moving to Boat Topics and Questions. This will help many boaters.