10-4 on all the above (BTW - what's today's date?). Anyway, the tub on most FFs and CCPs is about 6" longer than the tank. There should be a 2x4 toward the rear that holds the tank in place. So you don't have to worry so much about drilling though the tub into the tank, but please be careful! Just drill through the fiberglass tub - not the aluminum tank - and see what comes out. You do need to 5200 the seams and holes if you replace the tank to prevent future water intrusion. Leaky seals on the tank cover - this is wood cored, so it is often rotted - can cause tank corrosion and leakage. Even if you don't replace the tank, you will want to caulk the tank cover seams, as well as the spashwell seams! See ya on the water!
that boat should have a big hatch over the gas tank just remove the floor on top of tank an inspect it that way dont drill a hole unless tank is out of your way its very close to the glass drain tank like i did after removal of tank it was rotted very bad because of water sitting in well now theres a 2in hole for a drain just remember when you put the deck lid back on silicone it down an your pie eyes seal them to johnny
Is the deck "mushy" or "springy/" The area in the center of the deck on FFs and CCPs is mosty hollow underneath, so they do not have a rock-solid feel in the center. Mushy means soft - that would not be so good...I would not foam under the deck - it makes it very hard to run wires, hoses, or do routine maintenance. Also, the foam can pick up moisture, greatly increasing the hull weght and making your boat a real performance dog. The gas tank needs replacing if it's leaking. If the previous owner suggested replacement, maybe they know something you don't! I think the tank on your model is in a fiberglass tub. Some had drains, some didn't. If you can open a deck plate or find a way to see the back of the tank tub, you may see a hole drilled in the bottom. If the tank leaks, you will find gas coming out that hole. If there is no hole, your tub is sealed (or supposed to be). Odds are it has water in it, and if the tank is leaking, maybe gas too! If you can, drill a 1/4" hole in the back center bottom of the tub and see if anything drains out. If it's only water, you are probably OK. If its water and gas - it's new tank time. This all assumes the tank is at least half full of gas. If the tank is near-empty, you may not see the tank leak. Hope this helps - good luck!