[C320-list] Leaking Fuel Tank

[Jeffrey Kapec]

  Hello All:

I remember a discussion a few months ago regarding a leaking 
tank.  Low and behold, yesterday I was taking Petite Suite 
in for the winter layup.   Arrived at the boat to begin the 
sail to Wilson Cove and smelled something as I boarded , 
solvent like and thought....that can't be good.  Looked in 
the bilge and there was 2 inches of diesel.  Checked the 
engine and there were no leaks.  Opened the access panels in 
starboard storage and the tank looked OK.  Checked the tank 
as viewed from the port access hatch in the main berth and 
saw diesel fuel dripping (1 drip every 4 secs) from the 
outside corner.  We pumped out the diesel fuel from the 
bilge using a hand operated bilge pump and put that into an 
empty container. We managed to get the boat to the marina 
for haul out.  Now I am left with a mess, a leaking tank and 
a smell.  Has anyone had experience with removing and 
replacing the tan?  Is this a problem other have had?.  And 
any suggestions for removing diesel fuel and smell from 
bilge. This is a 2000   C320.

Thank you!

Jeff Kapec
Petite Suite Hull 718