I have the metal fuel tank on my '94 Legend 37.5. I want to install an access plate on the tank so I can clean the inside. Before I cut the access, I would like to know if there is a baffle(s) in these tanks - I dont want to cut through it if there is.
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95-96 37.5 FUEL TANK
I HAVE ONE OF THE LAST 37.5'S MADE 1996, BOUGHT IN DEC,95. I HAD THE FUEL TANK CLEANED TWO YEARS AGO. THE FUEL CLEANER GUY, WAS ABLE TO INSPECT AND VACUUM THE TANK THRU THE FUEL GAGE. I DIDN'T NEED AN INSPECTION PLATE,
NO BAFFLES IN MY TANK. P.S. IF YOU HAVE THE METAL HOLDING TANK THAT CAME WITH THE BOAT, CHANGE IT OUT, BEFORE IT STARTS LEAKING. GOOD LUCK
I HAVE ONE OF THE LAST 37.5'S MADE 1996, BOUGHT IN DEC,95. I HAD THE FUEL TANK CLEANED TWO YEARS AGO. THE FUEL CLEANER GUY, WAS ABLE TO INSPECT AND VACUUM THE TANK THRU THE FUEL GAGE. I DIDN'T NEED AN INSPECTION PLATE,
NO BAFFLES IN MY TANK. P.S. IF YOU HAVE THE METAL HOLDING TANK THAT CAME WITH THE BOAT, CHANGE IT OUT, BEFORE IT STARTS LEAKING. GOOD LUCKDoug did you change yours?
Doug, thanks for the info about not being baffles in your tank. You recommend changing the tank. Yes I have a metal tank and did have a metal holding tank, the latter which I changed last year. Clearly, the metal tanks do not last as holding tanks (as has been well documented and discussed in forums). I did not think that the fuel tanks suffered the same malady because I understood that it was the acid in the effluent from the holding tank which damaged it?
Doug, thanks for the info about not being baffles in your tank. You recommend changing the tank. Yes I have a metal tank and did have a metal holding tank, the latter which I changed last year. Clearly, the metal tanks do not last as holding tanks (as has been well documented and discussed in forums). I did not think that the fuel tanks suffered the same malady because I understood that it was the acid in the effluent from the holding tank which damaged it?
fuel tank leaked
Hi, Mike. We have a '92 Legend 37.5 and the aluminum fuel tank started leaking in Sept. after the fall fillup. Hunter customer service informed us that although it is not a common problem, they have "heard of a few". We removed the tank but had to cut off the fittings on the top to get it out. We plan to replace it with plastic in the spring. We would appreciate hearing from anyone who has done this concerning where a tank was purchased and how the job was accomplished. By the way, our boat has been sailed in fresh water only. However, the aluminum tank was covered with condensation after the fillup. we wonder if condensation over the years contributed to causing the leak, a tiny spot on the bottom where fuel seemed to be oozing out. Alice
Hi, Mike. We have a '92 Legend 37.5 and the aluminum fuel tank started leaking in Sept. after the fall fillup. Hunter customer service informed us that although it is not a common problem, they have "heard of a few". We removed the tank but had to cut off the fittings on the top to get it out. We plan to replace it with plastic in the spring. We would appreciate hearing from anyone who has done this concerning where a tank was purchased and how the job was accomplished. By the way, our boat has been sailed in fresh water only. However, the aluminum tank was covered with condensation after the fillup. we wonder if condensation over the years contributed to causing the leak, a tiny spot on the bottom where fuel seemed to be oozing out. Alice
I have a metal tank also
Doug, I also have one of the last 37.5' made in 1995 and titled as a 1996 model which has a medal fuel tank. We just participated in the Harvest Moon Regatta and I noticed a small amount of fuel in the fuel tank compartment for the first time since owning the boat. The tank was full at the start of the race. I checked for the source of the leak but found nothing. Didn't seem to get any worse. You recommend changing it to a plastic tank which sounds like a good idea given we keep our boat in saltwater. Can you recommend a product for the replacement and have you also installed a fuel gauge that can be read on the instrument panel? How hard was it to replace?
Doug, I also have one of the last 37.5' made in 1995 and titled as a 1996 model which has a medal fuel tank. We just participated in the Harvest Moon Regatta and I noticed a small amount of fuel in the fuel tank compartment for the first time since owning the boat. The tank was full at the start of the race. I checked for the source of the leak but found nothing. Didn't seem to get any worse. You recommend changing it to a plastic tank which sounds like a good idea given we keep our boat in saltwater. Can you recommend a product for the replacement and have you also installed a fuel gauge that can be read on the instrument panel? How hard was it to replace?
WAVEDANCER
MY FUEL TANK IS OK, BUT A FEW YEARS AGO I HAD SOME FUEL LEAK - NEVER COULD FIND THE LEAK - BUT I HAD JUST REFUELED AT A PUMP IN CLEAR LAKE AND DIDN'T WATCH THE KID PUMP THE FUEL. I THINK THAT HE OVERFILLED THE TANK AND A LITTLE FUEL GOT INTO THE TANK AREA..I NEVER TOP OFF MY TANK ANYMORE. I'VE NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS AGAIN. THE METAL FUEL TANKS OR OK, BUT NOT THE HOLDING TANKS. I HAD TO CUT INTO MY BACK BULKHEAD TO REMOVE THE HOLDING TANK, IF YOU HAVE TO, BE CAREFUL AND YOU CAN USE THE SAME WOOD, TAKE YOUR TIME.
MY FUEL TANK IS OK, BUT A FEW YEARS AGO I HAD SOME FUEL LEAK - NEVER COULD FIND THE LEAK - BUT I HAD JUST REFUELED AT A PUMP IN CLEAR LAKE AND DIDN'T WATCH THE KID PUMP THE FUEL. I THINK THAT HE OVERFILLED THE TANK AND A LITTLE FUEL GOT INTO THE TANK AREA..I NEVER TOP OFF MY TANK ANYMORE. I'VE NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS AGAIN. THE METAL FUEL TANKS OR OK, BUT NOT THE HOLDING TANKS. I HAD TO CUT INTO MY BACK BULKHEAD TO REMOVE THE HOLDING TANK, IF YOU HAVE TO, BE CAREFUL AND YOU CAN USE THE SAME WOOD, TAKE YOUR TIME.
my 37.5
I changed my holding tank last year when all the tiny holes in the tank leaked and the outlet hose fell off- what a mess. The aluminum tanks last about 10 years-thay are built in Florida and still available if you look at the label. I built a new Stainless holding and will need to do the same on the fuel tank- if you look where the straps hold the tank, holes will forming under the rubber.
I changed my holding tank last year when all the tiny holes in the tank leaked and the outlet hose fell off- what a mess. The aluminum tanks last about 10 years-thay are built in Florida and still available if you look at the label. I built a new Stainless holding and will need to do the same on the fuel tank- if you look where the straps hold the tank, holes will forming under the rubber.
Alternate to inspection port & holding tank query
Instead of cutting an inspection port into the tank, why not just polish the fuel. Many boat yards have the ability to recirculate your fuel through filters and water seperators quickly enough to clean out your tank. My problem was with my replacement holding tank. It is too small. Does anyone know where I can get a plastic one that will fit that will hold 20 gallons. All the ones I have found are too long.
Instead of cutting an inspection port into the tank, why not just polish the fuel. Many boat yards have the ability to recirculate your fuel through filters and water seperators quickly enough to clean out your tank. My problem was with my replacement holding tank. It is too small. Does anyone know where I can get a plastic one that will fit that will hold 20 gallons. All the ones I have found are too long.
tanks
Inspection ports should be called clean out ports. Polishing will not get at the crud built up on the bottom and hence the need for a clean out port to scrape up the crud. You may not have much or any crud so polishing may be sufficient. As for stainless holding tank mentioned, plastic is preffered, as holding tank contents can eat at stainless. The current best practices are plastic or fiberglass for holding & water tanks and stainless or aluminum for diesel.
Inspection ports should be called clean out ports. Polishing will not get at the crud built up on the bottom and hence the need for a clean out port to scrape up the crud. You may not have much or any crud so polishing may be sufficient. As for stainless holding tank mentioned, plastic is preffered, as holding tank contents can eat at stainless. The current best practices are plastic or fiberglass for holding & water tanks and stainless or aluminum for diesel.
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