Auxiliary Fuel Tank

[Wsullivan71]

I just purchased a 2001 Carver 404 CPMY with gas engines and after the boat sat for 2 weeks, we noticed a strong smell of gasoline in the aft stateroom. Upon further inspection, the bilges were dry and the engine room did not smell. The next time I fueled, I tried filling the auxiliary tank (which is located between the aft stateroom and the transom below the cockpit) and lifted the hatch to see what was up. As i fueled, I saw gasoline dripping from the bottom of the tank. It would appear that the weld seam failed. What are my options? I'm leaning toward taking that tank out of service. How could I isolate it and what would be the best method to empty it and flush it out to eliminate the smell of fumes? Should I just isolate it and fill it with soapy water?

[bud37]

Welcome to the forum.

Try to get a local fuel service, one that cleans marine tanks etc to clean your tank out properly then you can isolate it. They will have the proper training and vac service for gasoline or should have. Trouble with gasoline is a very small amount gives off fumes.

Be very careful with that yourself.....gasoline fumes are extremely explosive. Good that you checked right away.

[mjk1040]

Pump it out into another vessel (Gas Can, etc.) or into your other tanks. Have a filter on the pump when pumping. Then take warm water and Dawn Dish Soap, about 5 gallons and take a ride to splash it around in the tank. Then pump this out into a container for disposal.