water tank leak

[Richard Shelby]

I cut my tank open with a sabre saw-metal cutting blade. I cut the whole top open to expose the baffles. The baffles were cut out with a 4.5" side-grinder with a carbide/metal cutting blade. It took several hours. Wear hearing protection. The second photo is the tank inside. Ther are two baffles in the port tank and only one in the starboard tank. Dressing up the baffle welds with a side grinder and putting down a carpet liner will prevent the bladder (if you go that route) from abrasion damage. Also the bladder was tied in place with a "lacing" of 1/4 line over the top. See photos:

 

[QP Chuck]

I really must apologize for taking so long to follow up on this, but at least the job is now done and I can report.

The 6" dia. holes made working inside the tank very cumbersome, so I again raided the galley and used a 6"X10" oval plate to outline new holes. Again I used a jig saw to cut the new holes. I hired a local guy to clean out the inside of the tank since my 72 year old bod does not like to kneel for hours on end! He did a fine job. After cleaning several spots of deep pitting could be seen and some of the "pinholes" were now the size of a pencil lead. I filled the deep pits and the visible holes with JB Weld, then hired another local fellow (actually a transplanted Canadian) to coat the inside of the tank with three coats of epoxy (West System 105 with the 206 hardener). The epoxy was allowed to pool somewhat, perhaps as much as 3/16", in the bottom of the tank.

The first two times I put water in I detected small leaks in an area we could not see or reach from below. So I applied JB Weld rather liberally and finished with a coat of epoxy with thickener added. No more leaks! Of course, we shall have to wait and see about longevity.

I abandoned my plan to have stainless "sandwich" cover plates made. The quotes from two local machine shops almost gave me a heart attack! So I bought two plastic cutting boards and cut out the necessary pieces from them. For the gaskets I went to the Goodrich store and got a used truck inner tube for free and cut the gaskets from it.

I took a couple of photos but I forgot to bring my camera chip with me when I came up to do the internet. I'll try to remember tomorrow. I don't think they're particularly instructive, but I'll send them along anyhow.

Thanks again, everyone. -Chuck-

 

[Ed Schenck]

So Chuck, you were able to do this through two 6" by 10" holes? And these holes were cut out where exactly? I assume you had to cut fiberglass first since there is no opening at the aft end of the starboard tank.

Monday I hope to be in North Carolina testing my tanks. I am pretty sure one is leaking, probably starboard.

 

[QP Chuck]

I finally remembered to bring my camera chip with me, so I'll try to attach the two photos I mentioned earlier. You're correct that I had to cut a hole in the settee fiberglass, but no biggie. And yes, we were able to do all the work through those two holes. Although we haven't been out of the marina yet, the tank is doing just fine after a week or so.

 

[Ed Schenck]

Nice work Chuck. If I find my tank(s) leaking that is the approach I will take. I still have not gotten to the boat. Maybe after Christmas.