T&T: Aluminum fuel talks

[Bill English]

I have a 1973 GB 32 woodie, and as many times the case with old woodies one 
of the fuel tanks had rusted through due to water leak around the filler 
tube.  Three years ago both tanks were replaced with 1/8' 5052-H32 aluminum 
tanks.  I thought I was set for the life of the boat, but no such luck.  One 
of my new tanks developed a leak due to corrosion where the tank rested 
against a wood member and sea water had leaked on the contact point.



I don't think this can be simple corrosion, but must be due to electrolysis. 
I'm not sure what the circuit for electrolysis could be, but my question is. 
All through-hull fittings on the boat are bonded together, and might it help 
if the aluminum tanks were also connected to this bonding circuit?



Any other advice would be much appreciated.  The leaking tank has been 
repaired (welded patch) and I now have two non-leaking fuel tanks, but what 
is the best way to prevent this happening again?



Bill English

Woodstar, GB 32 woodie

Sausalito, CA