Leaking belly fuel tank

[tomnpatty]

I have a 1984 Bayliner Trophy 1910 Center Console. Developed a leak in the underfloor/belly aluminum fuel tank. Had it since it was new and has been in salt water.
Wondering if anyone has had the same problem and what they did about it. I am considering opening up the floor the size of the tank and replacing it with a poly tank. Wondering what are the downsides to this plan? Another consideration is to convert to an above floor tank which would require replacing the pedastal helm seats with a bench seat to accomodate the tank. Any thoughts/advise?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Leaking belly fuel tank

Welcome to iboats!

To be honest.... replacing the tank would be the best. Now for the rest..... since it is a 1984 you need to be prepared for what is below deck. Things like soaked floatation (which has absorbed water and or gas) which needs to be replaced, condition of the stringers...... without seeing the boat you might consider lifting the entire cap instead of a cut.

Moving this to restoration. Read the restoration forum, use the search tools and you will pick up quite a bit.

 

[APPALOOSA2]

Re: Leaking belly fuel tank

If you convert it to above floor tank, your boats center of gravity will change.
Handling will be different as it will be top heavier.

If it was mine I would go below as the factory had designed that hull for.

 

[Robert D]

Re: Leaking belly fuel tank

Even if you go with an above deck tank, you MUST remove the leaking tank and the saturated foam. What you own is a bomb waiting to explode. I watched a demonstration of a several year old rusty gas can, empty, explode very quickly. I imagine your bilge is just waiting for the spark. (Or even static electricity.) Focus on safety here. As said above, might as well plan on stringers. If they end up okay, just clean out the flotation and replace. (I'd go with the new tank under the deck.) The advise of separating the cap is very wise. I'm picturing the risk of using a saw on the deck, hitting a screw, ...sparks underneath with that fuel saturated flotation. Not good. Be careful.