1982 H36 Fuel Tank Leak

Aug 10, 2010
115
Hunter 36, Quarter Berth Model Placid Harbor, Cuckold Crk, Patuxent River
It would appear we have the dreaded pin holes leak in our aluminum (36gal?) fuel tank. Went for a sail a few weeks ago, had just topped off the tank. Checked on the boat a few days ago an immediately noticed a diesel smell when I hopped onboard. Went inside and it was worse....checked bilge, bingo, a good bit of fuel in it. Looking at the tank, it was wet around the bottom/aft part of it (the boat sits with a slightly heavy aft) - so I removed what I could from the bilge and soaked up the mess around the tank. I was hoping it was simply the fuel gauge sender port gasket was bad, after all the healing from the previous sail with a full tank, maybe it was coming from there? But after cleaning it up I went back today (two days after I cleaned it up) and there is still more fuel around the tank, the oil absorbing cloths I left there were soaked all the way....

Anyone ever replace a tank on a early 80s H36? Appears it may need to be cut up to be removed...seems like a fun winter project.