T&T: Survey Finds Fuel Tank Leak

[bob Austin]

Most likely these are replacement tanks--the vast majority of boats of this
make and this era had steel tanks--which lasted 15 to 20 years.

Corrosion in this area suggests that water stood on the top of the tank--and
came in thru the ventillation system.  This could have been prevented by
proper mounting of the tanks, top sloped so that water would not stand and
proper priming with two part epoxy and paint, to prevent corrosion.

At this point--the best choice is to replace the tanks (if one is going--the
other is likely to go shortly).  I would negotiate the price to allow for
this.  I paid $13,000 to have a tank replaced--I have heard of tanks being
replaced for $8,000.  It depends on how much wood work has to be done, if
engines have to be moved etc.  Be sure tanks are put in properly when done--on
new floors, which are epoxy saturated plywood, that the tanks are beded on
plastic stips with 5200, and the strips stuck to the plywood with 5200.  The
tanks sloped on the top, painted and properly strapped down.

Probably a fair "resolution" would be to split the cost--but have the job done
before the boat transfers title and have the surveyor check the work.

Bob Austin