Ok. I think it may be time to change gas tank since the boat is 16 years old and I’m starting to smell gas every time I fuel up. Nothing in the bilge but my thinking is to replace tanks before a catastrophic happens. Is this a do it yourself project I can manage? Thoughts from others who have taken the challenge. In NJ
2006 Bimini 306 gas tank replacement
- Thread starter Mad-J
- Start date
You may just need new hoses. It's difficult sometimes to tell. If you smell gas all the time, you probably have a tank leak that is below the fluid level. If you don't smell gas when you add some gas but do after running the boat, you may have a higher up leak, either the tank or the sender that leaks when the gas get sloshed around. Remember that gas fumes will vent out as you fill the tank so smelling gas when you gass up is different than smelling gas after you gas up
First check the tank vent hose to make sure it is connected firmly at the tank and the vent fitting which on your hull is probably a combo fill/vent fitting.
There is an inspection plate that lets you see the fill and vent hose connections also. Pop that and see if and when that section smells of gas and if any leakage is obvious. Same for the plate covering the tank sender area and pickupup tube. Yes, the tank could be leaky but worn out hoses are more common. 16 years is not super old for a tank.
By the way, if you do see liquid gas in the bilge or on the tank, obviously you shouldn't use the boat.
If you determine that you need to inspect the tank, you will need to remove it since leaks on the bottom and sides probably can't be seen with the tank in place.
First check the tank vent hose to make sure it is connected firmly at the tank and the vent fitting which on your hull is probably a combo fill/vent fitting.
There is an inspection plate that lets you see the fill and vent hose connections also. Pop that and see if and when that section smells of gas and if any leakage is obvious. Same for the plate covering the tank sender area and pickupup tube. Yes, the tank could be leaky but worn out hoses are more common. 16 years is not super old for a tank.
By the way, if you do see liquid gas in the bilge or on the tank, obviously you shouldn't use the boat.
If you determine that you need to inspect the tank, you will need to remove it since leaks on the bottom and sides probably can't be seen with the tank in place.
PM Me - I will tell you everything I know and send you my cell #
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See my thread here :
1999 Bimini 306 - replacing fuel tanks.
Lesson learned. The fuel tanks need to be rinsed regularly, and the deck plate o-ring seals are prone to leaking. I have had this boat since 2005. About 5 years ago, I pulled the deck plate to have a look underneath. I saw A LOT of white jelly. Sadly - I thought that jelly was a protective...
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