[C320-list] Fuel Tank Access Port

[David Veeneman]

I have had recurring engine problems since I bought my boat last year. The engine will run fine, but after a day of sailing through choppy waters, it dies. I’m guessing that there is a pretty good layer of muck at the bottom of the tank. The boat sat in a slip for ten years before I bought it, so that wouldn’t surprise me.

My mechanic tells me the 320 doesn’t have an access port on the fuel tank, so cleaning may be problematic. I am looking at cutting an access hatch in the tank and installing a Seabuilt Tank Access Plate (http://www.seabuilt.com <http://www.seabuilt.com/>). I’m going down to the boat later today to have a good look at the fuel tank. Hopefully, it has a flat top on which an access port can be cut.

I’m hoping folks can help me with these questions:

Can the fuel tank be cleaned through the sending port?
Does anyone have experience with Seabuilt access panels?
Is the C320 fuel tank baffled, and are the baffles solid?

Any other advice regarding this problem? Thanks for your help.

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David Veeneman
Dana Point, CA
SV Adelante, C320 #131