Rotten fuel tank Doh!

E

Elza_Skip

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Call from the boatyard Friday to say that the boat was pumping diesel into the yard. Investigation shows port tank corroded (22 years old) So a couple of questions for the assembled forumites

Firstly when we bought her the spec said it had stainless tanks and this was an important selling point to us to hopefully avoid this sort of problem. I specifically asked the surveyor to confirm this which he did. They now appear to be alloy-do so I have any recourse?

Second is that the engineer says the bottom of the tank is covered in corrosion and is scrap-just how bad a tank can be repaired?
 
Well if the surveyor states in writing that the tank is SS, yet it is clearly aluminium, then have a go for sure. It might be possible to weld a new base section into the tank as a repair.
 
There is aluminium and aluminium lots of different grades.

I have seen aluminium ones that went in about 3 years from the inside with diesel bug.

Were it to be steel 22years is about life for a 3 to 4 mm tank.

Stainless is not the answer to all your prayers for a fuel tank.
 
Find somewhere that makes or repairs alloy truck fuel tanks.
S+B is one and Specialized welding is another, I used to work at sw years ago and the boss can quite literally make anything out of anything.
 
Regardless of your recourse to a claim, IMHO that tank has to be removed completely, in order for it to be thoroughly inspected, and either repaired or replaced. Also IMHO it would be crazy not to consider the opposing tank seriously. Re tank life, I have aluminium tanks that were fitted in 1962, and thus far have not failed. With your tank, if it, or they, do need replacing, unless you have a good fabricator who can help, I would go to Tek Tanks who gave me ( correction: sold me) great service with a custom water tank made from a high density poly something or other, but was a great job.
 
Thanks all
Boat is a Fairline Corniche, I believe you had one of these Paul?

Tank is out, took the yard juat over a day so not too bad. Corrosion all ver the base with multiple pinholes seemto have consigned it to scrap.

Quote for a new one in SS is juat over a grand (330 litres). More than I hoped, less than I feared so given the go ahead

I will cross fingers at put off SB tank for now-that one will be more challenging to remove.

Anyway shoukd still be able to get her back in the water as planned in March
 
A good decision made. I have never owned a Corniche but there are other 'Pauls' here. Before they start it will be good to make sure the new one has a sensible removable part so it can be internally inspected, and also cleaned out periodically. I reckon every 4 years for mine. At least you will be all ready for the season.:encouragement: Hope it goes ok.
 
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