Fuel tank leak and replacement
Dave Robinson, Starbird, September 2007

At the beginning of this sailing season, (the boat is new to me this year – STARBIRD, formerly, SHAFERIN, Hull #17), I noticed a small amount of diesel fuel in the bilge, but thought it might simply be from some spillage that worked its way into the bilge. In mid-July, while cruising on the St John River in Canada, the entire tank emptied into the bilge (fortunately it was only half full at the time, and not a drop was emptied into the River, avoiding what might have been an international incident!) I replaced the tank upon returning to Portland.

Upon removing the old tank, I think I diagnosed the cause. There is a drain hole in the compartment that secures the tank which would allow for any moisture to work its way to the bilge. Unfortunately, the hole was placed such that it allowed the puddling of moisture at this location (see Boat Drain photos) I believe that over the 10 years of the boat’s life, the moisture corroded the tank at the weld in this lower most part of the tank.

Before installing my new tank, I epoxied a piece of plywood into the space, eliminating the ability of any pooling. (see Boat Repair photos – I have also sent photos of the corroded tank)

Dave Robinson
Starbird hull #17
407 Capisic Street
Portland, ME 04102
207-831-5199