fuel tanks-gctid828484

[stebbs]

Are the 3870-3888 boats subject to the same fuel tank issues as the 3200 series boats?

[canoel]

If by issues you mean leaking anytime after the 20-25 year mark, then yes.

Most boats will have fuel tank issues at some point. The newest 38s are 23 years old.

http://baylinerownersclub.org/index.php/forum/motoryachts/60980-38xx-fuel-tank-removal

http://www.baylinerownersclub.org/index.php/forum/motoryachts/59301-3870-fuel-tank

http://baylinerownersclub.com/index.php/forum/motoryachts/5224-3870-fuel-tanks

[boatbum]

That is correct. Mine is a 1991 3888, and I spent 2 years trying to figure out where the leak was. It was kind of intermittent and only enough to be annoying. 2 weeks ago i replaced the tanks and there was a "pea" sized hole in the bottom of one and a few "fizzy" spots on the other. The reason the leak was intermittent was because a lot of crud had settled over the hole and restricted the leak.

[stebbs]

thanks I read that dissimilar metals was an issue with some staples used on the 3200 series which may have shortened their lives.

[Mr._Darcy]

The staples were part of the story. The other part is that the shelf the tank are mounted on did not drain well. Standing water, aluminum tank and stainless staples, or in my case screws, set up a galvanic corrosion issue. As was already said, 20 to 25 years seems to be about it. Some have made it thirty years but those are in the minority.

Greg

[Albatross]

Isn't the leak generally limited to the starboard tank on the 3288? Primarily due to the slight starboard list?

[Mr._Darcy]

"Albatross" post=828911 wrote:
Isn't the leak generally limited to the starboard tank on the 3288? Primarily due to the slight starboard list?

Generally that is true. On my 3270 the port tank had to be replaced a few years back due to the corrosion issue.

Greg