I agree with Doug.
I just had to replace my gas tank. Had to cut away fiberglass to do it, but
much better than an explosion. If you do want to pressure test it first,
make sure you plan not to use the boat for at least a few days, find a way
to drain the tank, test it, then open everything the fumes could possibly
get into and air it out well. Also wash the inside of the boat, around the
fuel tank area with purple stuff (available at any parts store), and rinse
it very, very well. Wait a day or so before going back onto the boat. If you
smell fuel, do it again. I can't express to you enough just how dangerous a
leaking fuel tank or low lying fumes can be.
Joe


"DSK" wrote in message
.. .
Tony Abbott wrote:
How does one check for a fuel tank leak?

The best way is with air pressure (about 3 psi) and soap bubbles.
However, it's likely that you've got a tank partially full of gasoline,
which makes this impractical and potentiall dangerous.




... The boat is a 1974 33' Silverton
with an alumimun(?) gas tank under the cabin floor, 250 gallons. It is a
gasoline based boat.

The first thing to do is clear as much access to that tank, and the
bilge around it, as you can. Get all the water out, use a sponge and
then paper towels. If you can't dry this part of the bilge, partition it
off with some plumbers putty. After sopping up all bilgewater and fuel,
wait a while and see if more fuel appears. If yes, then track it down.

Fair Skies
Doug King