Leaking Fuel Tank on 2001 FV 270

[DaleM]

Just read on the BoatUS website that the expected life of an aluminum marine fuel tank is 7-8 years.  If that is the case then these manufacturers better not let that information get out.  I don't see any of them building boats with easy access for replacement of the tank(s).

[kleake]

Don't feel lonely guys.  I purchased a 93 Bayliner (I know I know) 2755 for cheap.  I knew it had been setting a while, but it just looked like upholstery on the deck, and a good buffing and it would clean up nice.  It even came with a triple axle aluminum trailer to boot.  Figured it would be a good money maker, or if we decided we like it then cool.   Got it home, got to tinkering, found out the tank has a leak.  Hoping it was only a small one, i drained the tank, flushed it with water.  Filled it and let it set,,,,,,,, it started pouring water out the drain hole at an amazing rate!  I could fill a 5 gallon bucket in about 10 minutes!!!!!     It's not just Rinker with the problem.  In Bayliners, they set the tank on rubber pads,,, which hold moisture and it eats through right at the pads.  I am one of about 4 people on the Bayliner forum dealing with this.  One guy cut an access hole in the top of his tank and used the liquid liner, then sealed a panel back over the hole he made.  So far it's working good.   I may try this with mine instead of replacing it, but I want to open it up first to see just how bad it is.

[wchris84]

Rich,
Finally back in the water, Tank took longer than expected. Final price was 5,300.00, when they removed tank found two high spots in the fiberglass that eventually rubbed thru the tank, simple grinder during fabrication would have solved that. Tank was also sitting in the water that runs into the rear bulge, over time it just started to break down. New tank is a little smaller and they put in some rubber rails underneath to elevate it off the bottom (not metal). Spoke to mechanic who installed tank, he said 10 yrs was about average for a gas tank in a Rinker.

I'm about to attack this on my 270 i just bought, did they pull the tank through the engine compartment or out through the cabin ?

They were able to remove thru engine compatment, cut out stringer and part of cabin wall and floor. Removed thermostat housing from motor and were able to wiggle it out over the top of the engine.