Aluminum holding tank leak

[Serenity]

Hi, my name is Rick. I own a 1991 Hunter 28. My holding tank has a leak. It still has the original tank that is mounted behind the tiller shaft. Any suggestions on what the best way to remove this tank and what would be a tank/size possibly from Ronco plastics to use? I know this project will not be easy. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. I also would like to know if the bulk head piece seperating the aft berth and where the tank is located structual? If not would like to cut and maybe make an access panel for the repairs.

 

[Barnacle Bill]

I'd stick with aluminum rather than plastic for fuel and after you remove the tank you might be able to repair it by taking it to a welder to fix the hole(s) which would be cheaper than buying a new tank. Aluminum tanks corrode and develop holes most likely because there is water that collects under the tank for some reason and doesn't dry out. So, if this is your problem, you must find the source of the water and keep the area dry. It takes a while to deteriorate a tank, but it does happen.

 

[Bob 04 H260]

I am not familiar with your model but you may have to cut the tank to remove it. Repairing an aluminum tank could be done but there will be many thin areas that will leak soon afterward so probably not the best option, unless you can find a material that could be poured into the tank to skin the tank and form a new liner. These usually work best on very clean material and may not be suitable for your application.
Aluminum tanks are not too bad for fuel tanks but not very good for fresh water or holding tanks (ask any Island Packet owner). If you can get a stock plastic tank or have one made that would the best fix. You may have to go with a flexible bladder type of tank if the area is too confined to get a new plastic tank in there.
good luck, Bob

 

[kloudie1]

Rick, I am not familiar with your model, but you are definitely heading in the right direction going to a poly holding tank instead of aluminum. Like Bob says, sometimes, the bladder tanks can be a life saver. I have known folks who cut out Windows in an old tank and after cleaning, inserted a bladder, leaving the shell of the old tank to support the bladder. You lose capacity, but can be done without cutting the hull to get the old tank out. Cutting and repairing fiberglass panels is not as bad a job as ya might think so if that is required to get the old tank out and the new one in, find a good fiberglass guy to do the finish work and have at it ! Good luck.

 

[Serenity]

Rremoving the holding tank

On the 91 H28, I was wondering if the rear bulk head panel can be cut so there is an access panel to remove the holding tank and install a new one or is this panel structual? Thanks for the help, Rick