1998 245 Explorer Gas Tank-Ask the experts

[jburt1991]

I've owned this 1998 245 Explorer since new and stay awake nights thinking about this old gas tank.  I decided to look at it more thoroughly today.  I found the photo of the stringer layout/tank coffin in the original brochure and did a pretty thorough inspection through the two hand holes on the deck over the tank.  I used a small LED light and my iPhone to video as much of the tank coffin/tank as I could get to.  I was pleasantly surprised by what I found.  There is no evidence of any water in the coffin, and no water line on the tank.  I also swabbed as much of the bottom of the void as I could with a towel and it came up dry.  Most of the original paint is still intact on the sides of the tank with a few small areas of corrosion.  I think this tank still has some life left in it!

Are there any other owners out there with original tanks this old?  What do the "experts" think?

Thanks,  Pappy

[wingtime]

I have a 1998 Explorer as well with no problems with the fuel tank.  To be honest we don't see many if any reports of 245 Explorers having fuel tank or deck issues.  The only deck issues are those caused by POs drilling and mounting something to the deck and not sealing the screws properly.  As built from the factory the Explorers have a good design with no mounting screws the penetrate the deck core hence no issues.  Same with the fuel tank.  There is no real place for much water intrusion or entrapment around the tank.  Make sure your deck plates screws and O-rings are good.  The inspection plates are made by Rabud and you can buy new O-rings from Dusky Online.

When I bought my Explorer six or seven years ago I had the fuel tank cleaned by a fuel polisher.  I inspected the inside of the tank and it was in very good shape.

To be honest I wouldnt worry about the tank.  There is little you can do about it anyways.  If it fails someday then you deal with it then.  Until then just enjoy the boat.  I feel the 225/245/250 Explorers were the best made and least problematic boats made by Aquasport.

[Capt. Bob]

I would agree with that statement. We have seen very little in rebuilds on these Genmar model hulls. I have a 91 210 which is an early model Genmar that would morph into the 225 in 94. While mine needed a tank replacement, it's a model with a removable hatch over the tank compartment which was poorly sealed. Other than that, from bow to transom it's still rock solid.

Good luck.

[jburt1991]

Thanks guys.  I appreciate the input.  Feeling better-going fishing.