Gas in Hull of Boat

[predator222]

I have gasoline coming out of the drain hole of my Predator 222. I first thought there might be a leak in hte gas tank, but I just don't know. Doea any one know this maker of boats and can I get to the area between the floor and hull without cutting a hole in the floor? Any help would be appreciated.<br /><br />Thanks<br />Predator222

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Gas in Hull of Boat

Hi predator, welcome to iboats!!<br /><br />You got carpet or some sort of covering on the floor? Might have to pull it up and check for hatches. Follow the filler hose to see where it goes.<br /><br />If you have'nt already done it, disconnect the batt. Your subfloor is full of fumes, any spark will cause big badaboom.<br /><br />Before you start tearing up the floor to get to the tank, check your filler hose and/or connectors - also the return vent hose.<br /><br />Be mindful of the very real danger of an explosion and good luck.<br /><br />Aldo

 

[KRS]

Re: Gas in Hull of Boat

I'm with Aldo, disconnect the battery.<br /><br />And, I believe the fuel filler hose is an easy culprit.<br /><br />I'm not familiar with your boat type, maybe some pictures would help. I would recommend opening the engine cover and hatches and walking away for a few days and letting things air out.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Gas in Hull of Boat

Originally posted by KRS:<br /> I'm with Aldo, disconnect the battery.<br /><br />

Be very sure there's no load (nothing turned on or drawing current) before you disconnect the battery or there will be a spark when you disconnect it. Ventilate the area very well before doing this.<br /><br />And if you decide to cut a hole in the floor, don't use power tools.

 

[magster65]

Re: Gas in Hull of Boat

Yesssirry! Be very careful 222. I agree with what's been said. Thoroughly check all your accessable fuel lines and fittings before you dig in any further. Is the fuel dribbling out comtinuously or just a bit when you first pull the plug? <br />My grandfathers beautiful 1957 26' Chriscraft exploded at the fuel dock from an undetected fuel leak... luckily my uncle (who was using the boat at the time) was standing on the engine hatch and it blew him into the water instead of... I don't like to think about what could have happened. Be sure to fix this before you use your boat again.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Gas in Hull of Boat

Originally posted by rwidman:<br />

Be very sure there's no load (nothing turned on or drawing current) before you disconnect the battery or there will be a spark when you disconnect it. [/QB][/quote]<br /><br />Excellent point - my bad

 

[predator222]

Re: Gas in Hull of Boat

Thnaks guys,<br />I have carpet covering the floor of the boat and my 3( yes 3 ) batteries are sitting on the floor of the boat. They will ALL be disconnected before I start anything. I will check the filler , vent and pickup hoses first. I found the manufacturer and was told the tank itself is not accesible without cutting the floor. I was told that the tank is 11" X 16" by a large number that the rep did not know. It would have to be long since it holds 50 gallons. The leak was slow and steady which scares me b/c my bilge pump has stopped working.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Gas in Hull of Boat

Look for access to the top of the tank. It is usually via a hatch around 6" in diameter. Open it up and check all the fittings for leaks or cracked hoses. You should see the tank filler, a sending unit for the fuel gage and the fitting for the fuel to engine line. There should also be a data plate containing the tank manufacturer's info plus the model # of the tank. You can contact them directly for a replacement.

 

[predator222]

Re: Gas in Hull of Boat

I've found all that you've suggested and there is nothing obvious. The fill and intake hoses are hard pipe that connects from the floor to the tank. I talked to the boat manufacturer and was told the tank maker is now bankrupt and the most likely cause for my troubles is a breach in the tank which she has seen before. So now the question becomes how much should I pay to have another tank put in? There are a few fiberglass boat rerpairers in my area and the manufacturer has suggested driving my boat to Oklahoma - any thoughts?

 

[magster65]

Re: Gas in Hull of Boat

That's a bummer. <br />You could do that repair yourself and then spend the money you save on more important stuff like steaks and beer.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Gas in Hull of Boat

Originally posted by predator222:<br /> .......... So now the question becomes how much should I pay to have another tank put in? There are a few fiberglass boat rerpairers in my area and the manufacturer has suggested driving my boat to Oklahoma - any thoughts?

I would get two or three quotes and compare them to what the boat will be worth once fixed. This job is probably beyond the average do it yourselfer.

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Gas in Hull of Boat

I ordered mine from these guys . Theyre in Perry Fl. Great price, prompt service, USCG approved label, and beautiful workmanship.

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Gas in Hull of Boat

ooops double post

 

[predator222]

Re: Gas in Hull of Boat

alright guys her's the deal,<br />three quotes, totals only $3800, $2500 and $1000. I'm real tempted to just take it to the $1000 man and let him do it. the cooler holder that is fiberglassed to the floor is giving me serious pause in doing the job myself. thanks in advance

 

[predator222]

Re: Gas in Hull of Boat

Buddy at work had an idea to simply adding a tank above the floor and bypass the underfloor tank. that sounds great except for the balance of the boat and making sure it is able to get u on the pad. gasoline is heavy, especially in the center of the boat. suggestions very very welcome

 

[Mark42]

Re: Gas in Hull of Boat

There are the saddle style tanks that tall, thin and long. Designed to be mounted above the floor against the hull under the gunnel in boats where that space is unused and accesable. A pair will easily hold the 50 gallons your leaking tank holds.<br /><br />Another plan is to cut the deck just big enough to remove the old tank, and install a new tank. <br />Then, to avoid a lot of fiberglass repairs, make a hatch to cover the hole. Maybe a piece of diamond plate aluminum, Stainless steel plate, or plywood covered with fiberglass and painted or topped with non-slip rubber mat. It can be simply attached with screws, no hinges needed. If making a plywood cover, taper the edges so you don't trip on it. <br /><br />These ideas are do-able for someone with basic do-it-yourself skills. Plus, if you screw it up, all you have to do is get someone to fix the hole in the floor.....

 

[tommays]

Re: Gas in Hull of Boat

No matter what you do the old tank will be hard to make SAFE if its just left there.<br /><br />There will always be fumes and gas traped in the tank and tank comparment because it is built in without access.<br /><br />So i would recomend getting it OUT and putting a new one back were it belongs.<br /><br /><br />tommays

 

[predator222]

Re: Gas in Hull of Boat

ok,<br />after talking to you guys and some of the guys at work, i think i'm going to do this myself. the only pause that i have is getting the helm cooler/seat holder out. i'm pretty sure it is fiberglassed to the floor. any suggestions besides a circular saw. also, just borrowed my mother-in-laws digital camera, so i will hopefully be able to post pics soon (assuming i can figure out how to download the darn pics).thanks for all the help so far and please don't quit on me now. thanks in advance!