See also Modifications & Maintenance
and Clean fuel tank
Email received 13 June 2015
I purchased my Deltacraft about 18 months ago and have recently installed a new diesel engine in it. Only to then discover that the fuel tank is leaking into the bilge.
Do you have any advice on where and how I can fix the problem.
My boat is moored at Brooklyn on the Hawkesbury River.
Any guidance will be greatly appreciated.
Steve Leonard's reply.
I was the builder of pretty well all the Deltacraft Islanders, so may be able to assist you with some info. If you have a stainless steel tank there is a chance of rust in the bottom weld.
The water that causes this is supposed to be drained off each year, but seldom is. Consequently the tank will have to come out and be welded.
I have recently fitted a plastic tank from Whitworths instead, its a robust tank made in Italy, you have to buy the top lid separate, maybe an option if the S/S one is beyond repair.
At any rate its a case of cutting the floor out above it or lifting the engine out to facilitate removal. Your boat being a Mark1 was built prior to 1982 so the tank has lasted reasonably well.
No doubt the spilled diesel will be pumped overboard with bilge water which is not legal, sorry to be a bearer of bad news.