Sealine S28 fuel tank

[ChrisLB7]

Hello I am looking to purchase my first boat and I have found a 1999 Sealine S28 which is in great condition. I have just had a survey completed, and what has come up as an area of concern is that aluminium fuel tanks of +20 years old can be prone to corrosion and possible leaking. The surveyor advised that he is not sure if they can be easily removed and replaced without cutting into the boat's structure. I have approached a couple of boatyards in the UK and they also are not sure as they have not had to carry out a fuel tank replacement on an S28. I have a few of questions for the forum:

1. Does anyone have experience of this fuel tank issue on a Sealine S28?
2. Does anyone know if it can be removed/replaced without major adjustments to the boat's structure?
3. Does anyone know of any UK Boatyards that have experience in this job?

Thanks in advance for your help & support

ChrisLB7

 

[QBhoy]

Entirely possible that the surveyor is just doing what surveyors do. Covering their arse with a comment such as this !

 

[Momac]

I am fairly sure the tank can be removed without major surgery as I heard of one done in the marina on a S28 without any specialist help other than the tank repair .

 

[ChrisLB7]

I am fairly sure the tank can be removed without major surgery as I heard of one done in the marina on a S28 without any specialist help other than the tank repair .

Thanks MartynG appreciate your response, could I ask which Marina the repair was done at?

 

[Momac]

I only know this second hand but believe the marina had no involvement with it.

 

[Momac]

Fuel tanks can be repaired or better still replacements can be made.
The twin fuel tanks in my F33 have been replaced. Copies were made using one of the removed originals as a template .

But really you may be worrying too much .
I believe the S28 has just the one fuel tank .

 

[FatherTed]

Single tank on a S28, it's under the aft cabin.
About 414 Ltrs

This thread on the Sealine Forum will answer your questions, but it appears you do have to register first to see it all, but we are a friendly bunch.

Sealine Forum
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[QBhoy]

Suppose if you were concerned over it…you could empty the tank and get a boroscope in there for a look at it’s condition. Very cheap and accessible things these days. Tool station even sells them that show the image on your phone screen.

 

[ChrisLB7]

Single tank on a S28, it's under the aft cabin.
About 414 Ltrs

This thread on the Sealine Forum will answer your questions, but it appears you do have to register first to see it all, but we are a friendly bunch.

Sealine Forum
Log in

Thanks FatherTed I have already registered on the Sealine forum and I have found some interesting information on replacing fuel tanks. I think from what I am hearing & reading it would appear that the fuel tank issue is more common on the larger Sealine boats, but I understand there are no guarantees. I think I maybe overthinking it especially with it being my first boat. Thanks for your help and advice.

 

[ChrisLB7]

Suppose if you were concerned over it…you could empty the tank and get a boroscope in there for a look at it’s condition. Very cheap and accessible things these days. Tool station even sells them that show the image on your phone screen.

Hi QBhoy this is a very good idea and I may do this just to put my mind at rest. Thanks for the advice.

 

[ChrisLB7]

Fuel tanks can be repaired or better still replacements can be made.
The twin fuel tanks in my F33 have been replaced. Copies were made using one of the removed originals as a template .

But really you may be worrying too much .
I believe the S28 has just the one fuel tank .

Thanks MartynG appreciate your help on this subject. I am hearing that the larger Sealine boats are more prone to the fuel tank issue. Thanks again for your help.

 

[QBhoy]

Hi QBhoy this is a very good idea and I may do this just to put my mind at rest. Thanks for the advice.

Yeah. Just came to me. I was very recently surprised at the decent images given, from a cheap one from tool station. Handy wee thing to have for all sorts. Might just put your mind at rest and avoid some major intrusive surgery to the boat !

 

[Scubadoo]

I thought the issue with aluminium fuel tanks is when sitting in water that has somehow made it ways under the tank etc. Did the surveyor mention any damp areas around the tank and any pin holes visible which aren't leaking (yet). I think the surveyor is being cautious and anyhow the tank I believe can be removed and repaired which would be reasonably low cost. It wouldn't stop me buying a S28 just based on the fuel tank. FYI, my Sealine water tank (same age) leaked due to a few pin holes which I fixed myself, I would be more worried about the aluminium water tank than a fuel tank as the water tank corroded from inside out, I can't see a fuel tank doing the same full of diesel unless a lot of condensation, but happy to be corrected.

 

[QBhoy]

I thought the issue with aluminium fuel tanks is when sitting in water that has somehow made it ways under the tank etc. Did the surveyor mention any damp areas around the tank and any pin holes visible which aren't leaking (yet). I think the surveyor is being cautious and anyhow the tank I believe can be removed and repaired which would be reasonably low cost. It wouldn't stop me buying a S28 just based on the fuel tank. FYI, my Sealine water tank (same age) leaked due to a few pin holes which I fixed myself, I would be more worried about the aluminium water tank than a fuel tank as the water tank corroded from inside out, I can't see a fuel tank doing the same full of diesel unless a lot of condensation, but happy to be corrected.

Agree with this. I think these tanks are most at risk when the lower extremity of the tank is perhaps sat in a salty bilge or close by. And as you say, start to degrade from the outside of exposed to such conditions. I’d imagine a dry and well kept boat shouldn’t have such issues perhaps. Suppose it makes one think how important it is to have dry bilges and drain channels clear of obstruction that might allow the gathering of water sitting ?