I have a serious leak in the bottom of my V-berth mounted aluminum fresh water tank. The V-berth deck appears to be glassed into the hull and appears to provide some structural integrity. Does anyone have any experience removing this tank for repair/replacement? If so, how did you do it?
33.5 Fresh Water Tank Removal
- Thread starter fwilmeth
- Start date
Where is it leaking? I had a leak at the water outlet because the aluminum threads were corroded. Rather than remove the tank, I just used epoxy to seal it. So far, OK.
Thanks for your response. Pretty sure the leak is under the tank. I know the tank has baffles and those were welded into place with spot welds on the bottom of the tank. My suspicion is that the welds have corroded or worn through. The leak is definitely coming from underneath the tank. I have checked all fittings and outlets and there appears to be no leak at any of those locations.
I installed a snakeriver water gauge last year, and I had to drill a 1" hole in the top of the tank. I was able to inspect inside, and it does conform to the V shape of the bow. I never saw any baffles. I also thought about removing it, and decided on the quick fix. Make sure it's not the water outlet. As a last resort, you can just cut out the top and front of the tank and cradle a new tank in it's place.
I assume the problem is it won't come out with the structure in place. You could always cut it up in place to pull it out in smaller pieces. Then replace with a flexible unit. A reciprocating saw, a multi-tool, or many other tools could do the job.
Ken
Ken
That tank is a beast, and depending on layup differences often supports the Vberth, something you do not want the replacement molded polyethylene tank to do
If you are absolutely positive that the bottom of the tank is the culprit. There is the possibility of coating the entire bottom of the inside of the tank, and maybe getting a few more years out of the tank. Most had to put in additional tank ports to get behind all the baffles.
The Best solution of course is new PE tanks for Water and Waste done at the same time, since you are going to have the boat torn up anyway. btw. Your forward tank is probably the largest that can be removed in mostly one piece.
If you are absolutely positive that the bottom of the tank is the culprit. There is the possibility of coating the entire bottom of the inside of the tank, and maybe getting a few more years out of the tank. Most had to put in additional tank ports to get behind all the baffles.
The Best solution of course is new PE tanks for Water and Waste done at the same time, since you are going to have the boat torn up anyway. btw. Your forward tank is probably the largest that can be removed in mostly one piece.