I was considering replacing the non working gauges on the water tanks in the boat 37 Hunter Cutter Cherubini. My wife was kind enough since I work offshore to go and take one of the old ones out. She described the gauges as missing the lower part of the unit. And she added that there is a build up of white corrision material on what was left of what she retrived. I am concerned about the possible corrosion in the tanks. I am looking for directions as to what other people have discover. The reason I am suspicious of tank problems is that we recently filled the diesel tank and ended up with diesel in the bilges. not much....and I am not sure if the two issues are unrelated. I hope they are....but I am not sure where the fuel tank vents. SO I am assuming the worst. I just need to get a S.W.A.G. as to what I may be facing when I get on land again. Does cutting the top of the setee and cutting two inspection holes (and hopefully instaling some threaded inspection covers later) and examining them seem the first course of action? I saw someone's explanation in this forum but now for the life of me can't find it. I think HELP is what I need. Frank Bean SV Blue Bird Mobile, Alabama
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Some help.
First a couple of comments. One, you will be amazed at how much gunk is in those tanks. And that the water pump never jammed. Actually mine finally did. Two, they will eventually leak, guaranteed. So we need to be prepared for a fix. Gene Gruender's site(Related Link) has the cleanout port subject covered( both water and diesel). Ron Pearson removed his tanks and documented it in the Photo Forum: http://www.sailboatowners.com/upload/display.tpl?folder=73148162529&fno=17 And those water tank gauges(same as diesel) are still available(but not cheap): http://www.e-components.net/ As for the diesel leak see if the fuel came out under the gauge. If you overfill and that gasket is shot it will run out over the top and into the bilge. The vent hose goes out the back of the tank and out the stern. Make sure the vent is not clogged with a spider nest.
First a couple of comments. One, you will be amazed at how much gunk is in those tanks. And that the water pump never jammed. Actually mine finally did. Two, they will eventually leak, guaranteed. So we need to be prepared for a fix. Gene Gruender's site(Related Link) has the cleanout port subject covered( both water and diesel). Ron Pearson removed his tanks and documented it in the Photo Forum: http://www.sailboatowners.com/upload/display.tpl?folder=73148162529&fno=17 And those water tank gauges(same as diesel) are still available(but not cheap): http://www.e-components.net/ As for the diesel leak see if the fuel came out under the gauge. If you overfill and that gasket is shot it will run out over the top and into the bilge. The vent hose goes out the back of the tank and out the stern. Make sure the vent is not clogged with a spider nest.
Are tanks salvagable?
Is there any way of repairing the water tanks should they be severly pitted? I read in one reply that there is some kind of coating material that stops the corrosion. CIB 1610. Has anyone save Ed used it?
Is there any way of repairing the water tanks should they be severly pitted? I read in one reply that there is some kind of coating material that stops the corrosion. CIB 1610. Has anyone save Ed used it?
Tank repair
I have been moiitoring the Newport list serv. They are talking about installing a custom sized bladder in to the existing tank. All that is required is some sort of padding to prevent chaffing and an access hole large enough to install it. Since it is flexible it will go in to the hole and open once inside. Good Luck
I have been moiitoring the Newport list serv. They are talking about installing a custom sized bladder in to the existing tank. All that is required is some sort of padding to prevent chaffing and an access hole large enough to install it. Since it is flexible it will go in to the hole and open once inside. Good Luck
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