30 years, no end in sight to mine. Virtually no rust on the outside. Not worth it to inspect the inside for rust when 99% of failures are due to lack of exterior boat maintenance.
Adelaide, where did you come up with the 99% exterior failure number? I started this thread because my biggest worry with my boat is the unknown of if or when I will have a fuel tank leak. I am trying to get a feel for failures. I am considering installing inspection ports this spring so we at least know the condition of the tanks.
...Ease your mind and simply eyeball the tanks , as suggested.
Dont see Rust? No problem.
How about tanks leaking from the inside because of water and sludge? Most of our tanks are not designed with a sump. I know of 3 tanks that leaked from the inside. Two were repaired successfully in place. The owner of the third replaced his. Just saying.
I started this thread because my biggest worry with my boat is the unknown of if or when I will have a fuel tank leak.
Ease your mind and simply eyeball the tanks , as suggested.
Dont see Rust? No problem.
How about tanks leaking from the inside because of water and sludge? Most of our tanks are not designed with a sump. I know of 3 tanks that leaked from the inside. Two were repaired successfully in place. The owner of the third replaced his. Just saying.
Where is the water coming from? Condensation? Or failed fittings leading to the tank? I'd be interested in seeing examples of how condensation lead to rusting out of a black iron tank.
Ease your mind and simply eyeball the tanks , as suggested. Dont see Rust? No problem.
Condensation would not cause that kind of rust. It would be interesting to know the background..... how the water got into this specific tank. Was the water separator filling up with water? Where was the fuel being drawn from? The low point of the tank? There is certainly more to this story, it would be beneficial to the community if you have more information. Certainly the person whom owns this vessel would want to know why this happened in order to prevent new corrosion.