Hunter 27 Fuel Tank

sandflee · Jun 26, 2015

Hey Tomgrandy - I just recently joined Sailboatowners myself and found this forum. I'm sorry to be so late and probably you have solved your problem with the tank by now. I recently purchased my H27C and was told by the previous owner that the tank had been repaired and tested. When I put 5 gallons of diesel in about two of them immediately made way into the bilge before I was able to pump out the rest. Needless to say I pulled the tank and the problem was clearly seen. A small hole in the corner and much corrosion. I purchased Moeller - Marine Below Deck Permanent Fuel Tank (12-Gallon, 20" x 14" x 11.75") from amazon $159.00. It is a great tank. Realy you don't need a fuel gage as you can always see the level through the tank sides. Also, there is a better way to rig a return for the diesel than the expensive kit that is sold.
I hope this was not too late and that you found the appropriate tank solution.

SailormanDan · Jun 26, 2015

Sandflee, how did you get the old tank out and the new one in?
Dan

sandflee · Jun 27, 2015

dkeagle said:
Sandflee, how did you get the old tank out and the new one in?
Dan

The tank was in the starboard lazarette. It was rectangular aluminum and was just the right size to pull out. The new one from Moeller (12 Gallon) was a bit longer but fit in through the Lazarette as well. I used the hold down clamps which I purchased at West Marine (They were cheaper on line) and it made a pretty nice job. the fitting placement did demand that I replace the fill hose and the vent hose (length). Other than that it was a two or so hour job.

SailormanDan · Jul 2, 2015

Thanks, I haven't had to deal with it, but am always looking and reading and thinking.

rardiH36 · Feb 2, 2018

I have recently posted similar about my 1980 36 model. That is a "suspected" micro leak from the bottom of the OEM fitted aluminum fuel tank. Because the 36 tank is strapped down tightly, and the slope is away from the direction I can observe, definite evidence of leakage has been devilishly hard to diagnose. Other than perception of an odor. And in my case just a hint of an oily sheen in the bilge.

Just a few days ago, I also ordered a Moeller replacement tank.

Unfortunately on the 36, without doing major fiberglass destruction, the OEM tank cannot be removed without first cutting it into pieces. And in reverse, a new tank of the same +/- dimensions can't be reinstalled in the same recess. (Unless through the opening made through the major fiberglass deconstruction!)

Not keen on cutting through fiberglass and then trying to patch it up again, I will leave the OEM tank in place. Instead install the new replacement tank on the opposite side. Then eventually remove the old tank.

Of issue for me is removing 100% of the diesel from the old tank so that the dregs in the bottom won't continue to weep out. After ensuring that the old tank is inerted with CO2, I will probably poke several weep holes at the lowest point to ensure all liquid is vacated. I will leave the tank vent in place.

Because virtually all of us with +/- 1980 built Cherubini Hunter sailboats will encounter this issue, I will post the outcome/experience of my "fix".

heritage · Feb 2, 2018

My 84 Cherubini's fuel tank isn't in the lazarette but is behind the engine bulkhead under the cockpit. It is plastic. The only way to replace it would require major surgery. So far, no leaks. I did replace the fill pipe and vent pipe.

David in Sandusky · Feb 3, 2018

Our original aluminum tank is 12 gallons.

After 40 years in fresh water, there are no signs of leaks in either our fuel or fresh water tanks. I think the salt water environment is much tougher!