Tank inspection

[flyboyo2]

 
OK, no laughing...can the coffin cover on a '89 175 be removed for tank inspection without taking the console completely off the boat?  Maybe raising the aft end of console or tilting it to starboard.

[Capt. Bob]

Several of us have done it on the CCP model. I would think it depends on the length of cables but you can disconnect the shorter ones. I'll look for a photo if we have one.

Good luck.

[Keith Knecht]

Like Bob said.  You should be able to lean the console over against the gunnel. That will give you enough room to slide out the hatch cover for the tank.  I've done that on several different boats.

[flyboyo2]

Thanks for the info.  If the tank is toast I may have to burn the boat, I'm getting in way above my pay grade.

[flyboyo2]

one other thing... when the inspection plate under the console is opened there is a gas odor, not overwhelming but noticable when I give it the sniff test. No odor when plate is closed. Also there is no gas odor in the aft bilge area.  Does the 175 have a drain tube from the tank area to the bilge or does leaking gas just accumulate in the coffin until the fumes detonate like a MK 82 bomb and give the word coffin new meaning in boating?

[Capt. Bob]

FB,
We have seen tank coffins, some with and others without drain holes. In theory, the concept of the coffin was to allow the tank to be mounted below deck without a ventilation system so there should not be a drain. If the tank ruptured, fuel would be contained within the coffin rather than finding its way to the bilge. The thought behind the drain hole was that water trapped in the coffin (from condensation) would be allowed to drain into the bilge, thus reducing the chance of corrosion.

Fact is, most water enters from a faulty seal around the tank cover or the deck plate. Once inside, it gets trapped between the tank and the mounting/chaff protection and causes corrosion. I would bet you have pin hole corrosion causing the faint smell of fuel. Because of its age, I would suggest you inspect the tank by removing it. Then you will have no doubt.

Good luck.

[flyboyo2]

Capt Bob, if you keep insisting I do things properly I may have to put you on my banned list.

[Capt. Bob]

It won't be the first time.

All kidding aside, in 1996,after having 80+ gallons on board (CCP in first pic) and slamming down in very rough seas, the smell of fuel while underway can (and does) leave you unsettled. Later, after being towed in when the engine died and then pulling the bilge drain plug, the site (and smell ) of so much fuel and water running on the ground brings home the realization of just how grave the situation could have been.

This is the first thing I checked when I brought home my current Aqua and what I found after 19 years.




Water and fuel in tank compartment.


The compartment on my WAC is the bilge. The water/fuel can (and will) travel both fore and aft so I sealed the drain pipes when I installed the new tank. The key is to keep it dry.

Ain't life grand.

Check the tank.

[flyboyo2]

Right now grand ain't the first word that springs to mind.  I was torn between a completly redone Mako 17 for over twice the money and the 175.  My line of thought was " it looks good so how bad can it be?" Seriously, the tank is the only major problem I've come across, even if it has to be replaced I'm still way ahead of the game.   I'm happy with the choice, I think the 175 has better lines.