average life of aluminum tanks

Maine Sail · Apr 14, 2015

Aluminum fuel tanks if properly installed and kept water free can last for 40+ years.

Aluminum water tanks do not like chlorine so life is pretty dependent upon how the water was treated....

Waste tanks should not be aluminum.

I would be surprised if Hunter used an aluminum holding tank.....

Jeff · Apr 14, 2015

I replaced my aluminum holding tank before it leaked. It lasted 16 years. My aluminum fuel tank began to weep at 20 years. I switched to plastic for the holding tank but remained with aluminum albeit heavier gauge for the fuel tank. My fresh water tank has been plastic and remains in good shape. Access for replacement of tanks can be a challenge.

RonRelyea · Apr 14, 2015

tanks

1990 Hunter Vision ....

my aluminum holding tank was leaking when I bought my boat ... 19 years (I installed a composting head instead of replacing holding tank)

I replaced the fresh water tank 2013 ... 23 years .... did aluminum again, but a heavier gauge than original

fuel tank is plastic on mine

jdhohmann · Apr 14, 2015

richny said:
I'm looking at a 2003 Hunter 356. Am I close to replacement after 12 years since new of the water, holding and fuel tanks?
What systems would need repair in a 12 year old boat.

Very good question, I never even thought about having to change my water tank which is aluminum as well. Saying that, I have been getting pretty significant carry-over from water tank into in-line filter for many years. The carry-over is a brownish/clear solid pellet like material. Any suggestions on this as well would be appreciated..
Thanks for the question!!!!

kjretlaw · Apr 14, 2015

Surprised that the tanks are aluminum, my 2003, 326 was built in 2002 and has all HDPE tanks. I've had to replace the holding due to an installer over tightening the fitting but I thought they'd last forever....am I being optimistic.

31seahorse · Apr 14, 2015

richny said:
I'm looking at a 2003 Hunter 356. Am I close to replacement after 12 years since new of the water, holding and fuel tanks?
What systems would need repair in a 12 year old boat.

Welcome to the SBO site! I have never bought a boat that was as new as a 12 year old. However, expecting every system to be in good working order and fuel/water/poop tight is being a bit too optimistic. Check out everything you can inspect and plan to do some bending, twisting, and snooping. Take a flashlight to look into every open space under or behind things. Use your nose too. If the boat smells there is a reason.

After you have satisfied yourself that the systems are OK hire a surveyor who can check more thoroughly. Some surveyors are more skilled and thorough than other ones. Get recommendations from your boating friends. Check for recommendations/reviews on the internet for the person you might choose.

Don Lucas · Apr 14, 2015

I had a 1988 Cal-39 with aluminum tanks (all of the tanks were alum). In 2011 they were still good.

David in Sandusky · Apr 14, 2015

'77 aluminum tanks doing fine

The aluminum water and diesel tanks on our '77 h27 are still in very good shape. It's worth noting that the boat has been in the fresh waters of the Great Lakes for all 38 years.