Fuel Tank Cover...

[Tree]

Should it be sealed as ours isn't and we appear to be getting rain water in the bilge.

[DougSea]

I'm assuming you mean the section of the deck just behind the engine box. Ours was caulked and every other 28 I recall seeing was as well.

[RobS]

You are referring to this deck section, right? It should be sealed. BoatLIFE Lifeseal is the right adhesive sealant for that.

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But,

1) If it's already "unsealed" I would recommend unscrewing it and checking the tank. You can check the hoses, clamps, electrical connections, etc. The biggest PITA in doing this is the sealant, so you are already more than half way there. I would also clean everything and spray down with an anti-corrosive, especially considering that it's been getting wet (from above) repeatedly.

2) The water in the bilge can also be coming from overflowing deck drains at the two floor hatches/boxes on either side of the engine box. The drainage setup there is likely the worst designed thing about these boats. The drain lines run aft and slightly uphill to the transom thru hull fitting. Not only is it an uphill run, they sag due to the length of the run and there is a check-valve with a stiff rubber flap in it. I removed the flap and replaced the lines with as little sag as possible and they no longer overflow.

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[DougSea]

As always Rob, you're a man after my own heart! Never let an unsealed hatch go to waste!!

[RobS]

... Never let an unsealed hatch go to waste!!

That would almost be as bad as swimming off the boat and not cleaning the waterline, running gear, swim platform stanchions, trim tabs, etc, etc...

This past off season I decided to remove all of the remaining paint off of the swim platform stanchions and polish them. We swim enough off the boat and the clean smooth metal wipes down very easy. Worked out well.

[Tree]

Looks like I've got a job for tomorrow then! There's no sign of any sealant being ever there or if there was, the previous owner did a good job of cleaning it all up.

Reference the hatch deck drains, one was broken off and running into the bilge and another had been replaced by one that wasn't flush so it was beer going to work. We need to manufacture some new nuts for the propeller in the morning so while we are at it, we'll turn up some new deck fittings out of stainless to solve the problem long term. It's funny you mention about the hose on the fitting, I was looking at it today and both myself and my buddy both think they're too close to the water line to work properly anyway. I intend to replace the hoses anyway as what's on them doesn't look all the clever anyway.



WE WILL BE IN THE WATER NEXT WEEK IF IT KILLS US!

[Tree]

I'm in two minds wether to seal the hatch. It looks perfect underneath.

[Tree]

On second thoughts, tank was replaced in 07/06 so I'll seal the hatch!

[halfmoon]

[attachment=1]image.jpg[/attachment][attachment=1]image.jpg[/attachment][attachment=0]image.jpg[/attachment]Once the deck is sealed you have no access to critical elements of the fuel system. Having just done that PITA job, I decided to place an access hatch. Access is now a requirement for factory built boats.

[RobS]

Halfmoon,
It took a minute to understand what I was looking at, the transom bench seat threw me off. Does the bench seat open to access other things, like seawater strainer, rudder, etc?

Tree,
I wouldn't consider leaving it unsealed. Just compare the dirt residue that has collected on top of your tank compared to the photo of mine. And if your fishing and using a washdown hose that's gonna be saltwater, blood, etc. If you do everything you need to do under there now you really should never have to remove it again, or at least for quite some time..

[halfmoon]

RobS,
Yes, access to steering, water filter, trim tab reservoir, etc. is done by lifting the hinged seat. A bit of a reach to get to them tho.' There is a small 2" access port at the aft edge of the fuel tank, accessible under the seat also. I wonder when the USCG requirement for "ready access" was instituted.

[Tree]

Ta da!

Couldn't get the colour match but I'm sure I will get used to it!

[RobS]

Well there you go, done. Neat work.

[DougSea]

Ta da!

Couldn't get the colour match but I'm sure I will get used to it!

I'm thinking you won't have to worry about it being bright white for too long...

[Tree]

I'm not sure Doug, I assume you have sikaflex over there? It's like boat life products but a lot better! It'll stay white for quite a while, it's like bathroom sealant in the same way it doesn't let dirt stick to it.