Fuel Tank Drain

[Steverhnm]

Is there a way to bleed out the bottom of the fuel tank, i.e., water in the tank, on this boat? I have a Racor water separating filter but I was hoping the tank had a sump or something like that and would allow a way to bleed off any sludge at the bottom of the tank instead of counting on the Racor. I could not find any thing that looked like a bottom drain. Just curious if anyone knew for sure.

Also, I am interested in opinions on the best way to treat fuel. My boat is in a sub-tropical area and does not get put up for the winter. When I leave I fill the tank completely. But I am new to owning a diesel and not familiar with the best way to keep the fuel fresh, biocides, etc. I am sure there lots of opinions out there, I would like to know what you all think. I know the previous owner had the tank cleaned out 6 months prior to me owning it so I would like to try to maintain a clean tank. He did say a bunch of sludge came out and they vacuumed the bottom with some kind of wand....

 

[Sailgunner]

Best solution is to buy an inspection plate and cut a hole in the tank. I clean mine out about once/yr. Very good investment.

 

[splax]

If the previous owner had the tank cleaned, then very probably they have installed an inspection port to allow the cleaning. Use an additive such as Sea Foam whenever you put fuel in the tank. Inspect periodically and clean when necessary. You may wish to filter the fuel (through an old sock?) as you put it in the tank to catch any solids already in the fuel.