Fletcher 17GTS BSS problems can anyone advise ?

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Brian555

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Hi, i have recently purchased a 2001 Fletcher 17GTS with 3.0 Petrol Mercruiser inboard engine, to use on inland waterways, The BSS inspection took place yesterday, but the inspector could not see the Filler on the under floor fuel tank. The fuel tank is a V shape that sits below the main floor in the centre of the boat.
The filler and breather is at the front of the boat.
You can see the filler and breather pipe go down between the inner and out skin, taking out the speaker under the dash, the pipes then go under the floor.
What he is saying is that because he cant see if its top entry or side entry, its a failure.
Looking at picture of other boats, all of them have a top entry filler so i would not expect this one to be different, i just cant prove it.

Any advice would be appreciated on where to go to resolve this issue? I have emailed Fletcher boat builders but no reply.


Fletcher 17GTS.jpg
 
Its usual for BSS inspections to put an access hatch in under the filler so it can be seen, all the boats with BSS I've had have had those round 150mm twist off type hatches next to them. The inspector also needs to see the earth connection to the filler is secure especially on a petrol boat.
 
Chris_d said:
Its usual for BSS inspections to put an access hatch in under the filler so it can be seen, all the boats with BSS I've had have had those round 150mm twist off type hatches next to them. The inspector also needs to see the earth connection to the filler is secure especially on a petrol boat.
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Hi Chris, I was thinking of doing this but, we dont know where to cut the hole, it would be like a game of pinning the tail on a Donkey ;) lol !
 
Many years ago I had a Fletcher 17 GTS sold it in 2006 and then came across it again in 2021.
had a good chat with the current owner,

Under the rear bench seat there is an access hatch to the fuel tank sender gauge ,not sure if with endoscope you could see the filler pipe
 
Hi Ian, thank you for the reply, yes we have opened the round hatch under the rear seat, im waiting on a delivery of a endoscope today from Amazon, im hoping this will resolve my issues, there must be other Fletchers out there with inboard engines / fuel tanks who have had a BSS and can provide some details.I emailed Fletcher a few days ago, but no reply. Once i know where the end of the tank is i can then cut in a access hatch. This boat will be on the Norfolk Broads within a month !
 
Hi Brian.
There is a fletcher forum in Europe that i was a member of many years ago. Was very informative. Maybe see if it’s still running .
I can not find the link unfortunately. Will have another look later when more time

see there is a Facebook group. They may help
 
Brian555 said:
Hi Ian, thank you for the reply, yes we have opened the round hatch under the rear seat, im waiting on a delivery of a endoscope today from Amazon, im hoping this will resolve my issues, there must be other Fletchers out there with inboard engines / fuel tanks who have had a BSS and can provide some details.I emailed Fletcher a few days ago, but no reply. Once i know where the end of the tank is i can then cut in a access hatch. This boat will be on the Norfolk Broads within a month !
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Don't bother emailing Fletcher, they went out of business years ago.

The current website appears to show boats for sale but their factory in the West Country is closed with no sign of activity.
 
Not that you would want to do this but that age of Fletcher should have the fiberglass floor and their should be screws that can be removed to lift the whole floor. Bit of a PITA but should be dooable
 
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