rinker 270FV fuel tank

[jmeyers278]

Okay I didn't get any replies on this on my new guy post so I'm trying again.  Hope I'm not breaking the rules as I am still green.  I put a deposit and secured financing on an 01 270FV with a 350mag and bravo III drive.  the boat has 320 hours on the motor 230 hours on the generator.  I am now really nervous about the posts i've been reading about fuel tank problems.  I have some expendable income (hence the new boat) but a $7k repair bill for a new fuel tank would be a back breaker.  Should I not buy the boat or is it more intermittent than it sounds.  Also is there some sort of warranty I could ask for from the dealer.  I would hate to lose my deposit but $1k is better that $7 in repairs or more.

[raybo3]

Hey jmeyers278 I do not have a 270 I have a 342. I have not had any problems with my tanks. I would hire a surveyor and have him check out the boat. I am sure he took a sample of fuel from the tank it could be checked for metals and rust. Hope this helps. Good luck and keep us posted. Also welcome to the RBO.......

[pepmyster]

Well said Ray. That problem could have been an isolated case. If there was a major problem , there would be a recall.

[kleake]

I am one that is having a fuel tank issue on a different brand boat.  I am doing a repair instead of replacing it, but what I found was only a few corrosion areas and one hole corroded through in the rear wall of the tank.  I "think" it was due to a screw falling down between it and the bulkhead causing corrsion.  I can tell you that the inside of the tank looked almost new other than those few small spots so i don't know if you would be able to detect it otherwise.  I think if they could offer a warranty it wouldn't be a bad deal on any boat, but I don't think I would let that worry stop me from buying.  The repair I am doing will cost me less than $500.  Some people don't agree with fixing it due to safety.  I understand their concerns, but I don't feel a "correctly" repaired tank is any worse than any other 10 year old not yet leaking tank out there.

[alswagg]

Since your in MO. the boat is a fresh water boat.  The effected fuel tank problems are mostly in salt water areas.  The fuel tank sets in the belly of the boat, keel.  If the tank is saturated in salt water the aluminum will corrode.  I suggest having the tank pressure tested for leaks prior to buying.  5lbs air pressure 0 leaks for 20 minutes will suffice.  This is a good idea on any used boat sale anyway.  Good luck  Al

[Babyboomer]

I've bought my 270 new in 99 and have had no problem and I'm over 800 hours my boat has always been in a covered slip  and canvas covered when away.

[jmeyers278]

Well that definitely makes me feel better.  You guys rock! now how do I find a good surveyor and how much should I expect to pay.  Also I would have to wait until the boat was de-winterized correct?  Never been much of a forum guy but this place is awesome 

[jjlovett]

I bought my 05 270FV in 2009 and, if I recall, I paid around $400 for the survey. I, also, have had no issues with my fuel tank and I'm in salt on the South Bay of Long Island, NY. Not sure if you've closed yet on the boat, but a survey is the best money you can put into a boat purchase. There are a couple of types of accreditation if I recall. I got my guy through a local reference and he was awesome.

[NO GIN]

Hope you made out well with your purchase. I own a 2003 FV 270 and did have the problem with the leaky furl tank. I am only now making the repair as I could not afford it so for the past year and a half, she's been on dry dock. I wonder if it is limited to salt water boats as Al said as mine is salt water. Listen to Al, great guy with great knowledge willing to help out RBO-ers! 

[NO GIN]

Might I also ask..... factory states a 100 gal tank, no? The mechanic doing my new tank cut the top of the old tank off and we have an interior dimension of 58" long x 33" wide and 12 3/4 tall. All the poly tanks we are looking at are way bigger then that to even come close to a 90-100 gallon tank. Anyone??   

[markbellino]

According to my calculations your tank is exactly 100 gallons if it was filled to the top.

[NO GIN]

I guess I am a bit confused bc I can't find any aftermarket poly tanks that size. All the 100 gallon tanks are like 10-14" longer or  a lot taller etc. Seems to be an "off size" for aftermarket tanks.

[alswagg]

check out the Bladder tank alternative
http://atlinc.com/marine.html

[NO GIN]

LoL, good minds think alike Al. I emailed those folks about two hours ago. I read on the various tanks/bladders they offer and they seem to be a top of the line aftermarket option. I emailed them my dimensions so hopefully I will hear back tomorrow with a price and turn around time. 

[pepmyster]

Now that's a cool product!