50 year old tanks

[Otter]

We’re looking at a 1974 motor boat with original fuel and water tanks. What do you think we should be looking at specifically - apart from leaks and signs of rust?

Are 50 year old tanks likely to be a problem because I’ve seen adverts of vaguely similar boats from that era proudly showing new tanks as a key selling point. That got me worried.

 

[kashurst]

Externally all you have to go on is signs of leaks and rust plus any fuel related pongs in the vicinity.
On a 50 year old boat anything and everything is getting on a bit, so something to consider is that if you did get unlucky and find a leaking tank post purchase, how easy would it be to get it out and repair/replace it?

 

[simonfraser]

what is the access, can you replace them without taking half of the boat appart ?

 

[harvey38]

If they are the original tanks and haven't had an issue yet, I would assume they are stainless so should be good but as well as the tanks.........I would very carefully inspect all associated hoses - fuel fill, fuel feed, breathers and the same for water.

We rejected a boat as one mild steel tank had been replaced with a stainless one and the remaining mild steel one was not in the best of condition so it was a case case when, rather than if would need replacing. The Owner wasn't prepared to reflect this in the price so we walked away.