Water Tank Maintenance

[jmce1587]

I have just discovered a leak in the top seal around the water tank on my 84 H31. Looks like caulk around the entire deck plate with numerous hold down screws.

Having never delved into this part of the boat, can anyone with similar model tell me what is under the fiberglass covering? Is this simply a fiberglass box with nozzles for water distribution and vent lines? or is there a bladder in there? also once i remove the many screws holding down the top plate, what is the best/recommended sealant to use?

as always all responses are greatly appreciated. thanks,

Jerry

 

[Steve Dion]

Jerry:

The lid on that tank is held down with caulking and screws. I tried to reseal mine a couple of times. I removed screws and put some caulking in the holes and that worked for a while.

I removed the lid (big job) and recaulked the entire lid. I think if you can fill the screw holes with something and redrill the holes that may work.

I ended up having the lid glassed in place and I put two clean outs in the tank lid (one on each side of the baffle.

Here are a couple of stories on this issue.

http://hunter.sailboatowners.com/in...7&cat_id=25&aid=7326&page=article&mn=31_83-87

http://hunter.sailboatowners.com/in...7&cat_id=25&aid=6872&page=article&mn=31_83-87

Good luck with this project.

 

[Dan Hill]

I also have the same setup on our 28.5 for fresh and gray water tanks. They are built in as part of the structure and have no bladder. I read about others attempting to remove their covers only to destroy them in the process. Some have added clean out ports but I'm reluctant to add another leak point.

For the fresh water side I follow Peggy Halls procedure for freshening every spring or whenever it smells "off" and find this to work very good. Search the archives for her procedures.

We had a small leak in the gray water lid. Emptied the tank and removed as much caulk as possible and reapplied using life caulk. Also pulled all the screws resealed under the finish washers. No leaks to date.

 

[jmce1587]

Steve / Dan

This is perfect. thanks for the prompt responses. I searched the posts topics and couldn't find this. Never thought to check the "modifications" postings. will do that next time.

for now off to the port lazarette to begin work.

have a great week.