[AncientMariner]

Although I show ownership of a Tiara 4000, as I was ready to sign the final papers a leak was found in the starboard fuel tank.

The engine and tank were pulled this morning and a small hole was found in the bottom of the tank and no one has a clue what could have caused it. There is no metal near that area to cause electrolysis and nothing protruding from the perch where it sat.

Tomorrow I am hoping to hear from Tiara if that is a known problem or just this particular boat.

My concern and the concern of all involved is that the other two tanks may have problems we haven't seen (this hole was on the bottom, fuel in the bilge gave it away).

Since I have an inherent trust issue with dealers/brokers and manufacturers (I'm old enough to have earned the right to my distrust lol), I am hoping someone here has seen or heard of a similar problem and would care to chime in with opinions or advice.

Thanks,
Paul

[AncientMariner]

I can tell from all the replies that you all are riveted to the outcome, so here it is.

Once the tank was removed, it became evident the hole was corrosion from the inside caused by water in the tank. I won't bore you with a long explanation of water and aluminum, just google "corrosion in aluminum diesel tank". There is tons of info and my problem is well known.

When my (signed the papers today) boat was built (94), the norm for aluminum tanks was still .125" thick material. Since then (not sure when it changed) the ABYC recommended .250. This won't stop things but does give you longer. My new tanks will be .375. Maybe you didn't catch the change from leaking tank to tanks. My thinking is if one is rotted through, the others are soon to follow and it's way cheaper to do them both now than one at a time.

Anyone pick up on the 2 tanks being replaced when there are 3? The auxiliary tank is located under the cabin sole and would require major surgery to get out and I'll play craps with that. If it starts leaking I think I can find a way to fix it rather than replace it, or quit using it as it is only 90gals (did I say only?).

BTW, to remove the main tanks you have to pull the engines, to pull the engines you have to remove the engine cover. Hopefully you get the picture. It's not pretty.

I am sharing this info as both a commentary and also as a "head's up" on what you may be facing.

Paul

[TIARA44]

Thanks for the info. I worry about my water tank on my 2004 44' Sovran, to replace it would require major surgery. It would require removing the salon floor and cabinets in the galley in addition to the port salon bulkhead - not pretty.

[anthem]

WOW Paul, that's alot of work, and big $$$$. Did you discover this before you owned the boat, or after the transaction had been completed? I am not too clear on that. Hopefully the prior owner is picking up the tab for this. Good luck. Let us know how it turns out.

[AncientMariner]

Since the final check won't pass hands until probably next week, the current owner is paying ($10k) for the leaking tank and we are splitting the cost on the non leaking (yet) tank. The leak was discovered during survey/sea trials. One more reason to pay someone to check the boat before purchase.

It really is a messy major job, but something all owners face as a real possibility if their boats are over 10 years old.

This is just a small bump in the road.

I forgot to add in my last message that this boat only has 440 hrs on it in 20 years and that is more likely the cause than anything else. Lack of use is probably more damaging to equipment than using a well maintained boat, IMHO.

[anthem]

When all the dust settles, you will have great boat! Good Luck with her.

[AncientMariner]

This is why the fuel tanks need replacement!

Check your bonding!

[finalee]

Wondering if this was gas or diesel, and whether it makes a difference when it comes to water build up in the tank.