Diesel Tank Leakage

[Jim Davis]

Hi; I own a 1981 Union 36 cutter and have a question regarding the 100 gal. black iron diesel tank. I have no problems at present, but have noticed some rust on the outside of the tank down in the bilge and am curious to know if any other owners have had issues with tank leakage. I understand that the Union hull is basically the same as the Baba, Hans Christian and Lord Nelson; am not sure about tankage.
Any thoughts on repair, removal (ugh!) or other fixes if the worst case should happen?
Thanks, Jim

[Laidback]

Hi Jim,
Maybe the first thing to do is to establish :-
#1 extent of rusting
#2 precise areas mapped out
#3 depth of rust
Next prepare materials to
#4 remove rust
#5 clean exposed areas
#6 apply zinc undercoat
#7 apply coal tar epoxy
#8 apply another coat of coal tar epoxy
----
#9 monitor the tank for any further signs of corrosion.