Sailfish Problems

[cditch]

I recently purchased a 1986 Sailfish 25, I have two problems that I need some help with. The first is the main fuel tank won't let me put fuel in.I know the tank is empty because it was pumped out. When try to fill it the gas comes out of the vent and then the main fill line. The second is that the boat is taking on water, I am thinking it is one of the thru hull drains, but I am not really sure how to get to them . Any help on this would be great.

 

[seasick]

I recently purchased a 1986 Sailfish 25, I have two problems that I need some help with. The first is the main fuel tank won't let me put fuel in.I know the tank is empty because it was pumped out. When try to fill it the gas comes out of the vent and then the main fill line. The second is that the boat is taking on water, I am thinking it is one of the thru hull drains, but I am not really sure how to get to them . Any help on this would be great.

On the first topic, it is possible that there is a downward loop in the vent line and it is full of fuel or water. When you add fuel the air pressure pushes the stoppage and fuel comes out of the vent. If it can't clear the vent line, pressure sort of build sup and then the fill line get clogged. Adding fuel slowly usually works in the short term to get fuel into the tank but finding the venting issue is the fix ( if that is what the problem is)
Regarding the second issue, if the boat tales on water while at rest, it could be a lot of things. You didn't mention motor type but if I/O, that is a place to look. Bellows/seals only last so long.Thrus as you mention as well as hoses, scuppers, etc are all possibilities. Getting to all of them is specific to the boat and will require the removal of deck plates in some cases, fish box and locker boxes in some cases, removal of trim and panels in the cabin etc.
To make things easier, if the boat takes on water while at rest, you can eliminate for now all thrus that rest above the water line.

 

[cditch]

Thanks for the response still working on the solution I will post what I find out. Going to bring it in to the shop tomorrow morning.

 

[JeffN]

Let us know what they find out about both issues. I'm curious, particularly about the leak.

 

[Grog]

Are you sure you're filling the main tank? All but I/O models have 2 tanks. Water cam be coming in from many places:
Back by the scuppers (cracked hose or cracked thru-hull)
fish box crains (same as scuppers)
leaking outboard mounting bolt/bracket bolt
leaking by the access hatches (sipn-outs or worn out caulk)
livewell/washdown seacock/hose

 

[cditch]

Problem solved a cracked thru hull fitting and a full gass tank... Mechanic said he had drained the tank but apparently he did not. Thanks for all the help

 

[grady33]

Had the same issue with water coming in. We did a overnighter and forward bilge would come on ever 2-3 hours so I went exploring and found a slow leak port side under fish or bait box. May be cracked thru hull so will check it out today. Going to check all others.

 

[JeffN]

Well that seems relativly painless when you consider what it could have been. Which thru hull was causing the problem?

 

[grady33]

It looks to be the drain box.

 

[JeffN]

Grady28 what did you find today?

Cditch which tru hull was leaking on your boat?

 

[cditch]

It was the one that drains the ice chest between the seats. The forth one from the bow on the stb side

 

[grady33]

Same here. Easy access thru hatch but I noticed there was no washer on inside like the other thru hulls. Very strange.

 

[JeffN]

Grady28 I don't know anything about location of thru hulls on the newer boats but I am glad you found your issue.

cditch Is that the thru hull right at the water line? Or one higher up? The one at the water line is the one that was cracked on my boat. I don't think it was leaking yet but very close. I think if I had hit the exterior portion of the thru hull it would have popped right off. The hull side in that area was thicker at the bottom of the fitting than the top and the inside portion of the thru hull was cross threaded from the factory. I think it just tweaked the fitting enough to crack it. I replaced the drain hose from that box the next winter.

Glad you two are over your leaks.

 

[grady33]

Well after hours and having to run to home depot to get a large adjust wrench, and another few hours working on getting the nut off, I got the thru hull off. I just needed to 5200 it and put it back on after taking a steel brush to it. They really don't give you much room to get to these thru hulls. I think I'm going to check the others.

 

[richie rich]

Well after hours and having to run to home depot to get a large adjust wrench, and another few hours working on getting the nut off, I got the thru hull off. I just needed to 5200 it and put it back on after taking a steel brush to it. They really don't give you much room to get to these thru hulls. I think I'm going to check the others.

seriously, forget checking the thru hulls...just plan on replacing.....they are cheap plastic and very old...do it now and your good for many years

 

[grady33]

Mine are brass covered with Stainless so very hard. The problem is that after 10+ years, the caulkn may be wearing away. Going to loosn them one by one and re-caulk. If I had plastic ones I would have replace the day I bought the boat. Would not want one of those givin out offshore!