6 gallon hot water tank has surface rust bottom with 2 inch whole

[al1026]

Seaward 6 gallon Hot water tank . original too boat from 2003
​Hot water temp is good
surface rust all over bottom . At corner , there is a whole apx 2 inches long 1/4 inch
wide
I have sheets of heavy duty aluminum, that will cover . Once whole is covered , painted , will the whole effect anything Does it loose pressure . ?

 

[SOG3]

Is the hole in the tank,or the outside jacket ?If in the jacket ,it shouldn't affect the pressure .

 

[Old Ironmaker]

Change the tank before it bursts and puts 6 gallons of water in the boat or worse. Do you flush it occasionally? I have never dealt with a hot water tank on a boat so I want to ask for my own information, what is the water source?

 

[mr 88]

They are fed from the fresh water holding tank and pressurized by the fresh water pump. I would buy a new unit and be done with it or if you don't use it then bypass it. If you live where your motor has to be winterized then that tank and the whole system should be bled as well. Patch one spot and spend a day removing and re installing it and 1 month later the rotted unit springs a leak somewhere else.