Diesel odor

[sardinebreath]

I went to check out a boat for sale and there was a strong smell of raw diesel in the cabin. It seemed to be coming from both the engine and the fuel tank. I'm not so worried about the engine because any leaks there should be easy to repair. I opened up the settee to expose the tank and could not locate any seepage/leaks around the fittings or anywhere else, but the odor was stronger with the tank exposed. Anything I can do to demonstrate to myself that the tank itself is not leaking? I think a tank replacement/repair is more than I would want to add to the list of things I've already come up with for this boat and I don't want to pay for a survey if it is likely the tank is bad. But if the tank is likely to be ok, I'm close to making an offer.

[a64pilot]

When you expose the tank, the smell gets worse does not sound like a good tank to me, but until you find the leak for sure, you won’t know.

[Orion Jim]

I replaced my tank several years ago. A slight odor just got worse with no discernible leak till I removed the tank. The pinhole leaks were readily apparent where the aluminum tank was in contact with its plywood base.
A new tank can be a simple swap or require major demolition.

[sardinebreath]

Originally Posted by Orion Jim

I replaced my tank several years ago. A slight odor just got worse with no discernible leak till I removed the tank. The pinhole leaks were readily apparent where the aluminum tank was in contact with its plywood base.
A new tank can be a simple swap or require major demolition.

So the reason I can't find a sign of leakage may be that it's all being soaked up underneath the tank? Makes sense. Any idea of what a 50 gal SS tank with baffles and fittings would run me?

[a64pilot]

I would use plastic and never worry about it ever again.
You can have a custom tank made or buy a generic size.
My guess is a couple of hundred bucks, but price is not the issue, what you have to do to remove and install is

[James S]

This boat isnt by any chance in ocean marina pattaya?
There is one forsale there that the owner filled the emergency tiller access the first time he fueled up..
He's dead now.. went over the side to fix something foweled while sailing ... found his body washed up on the beach a few days later..

[john61ct]

Lots of tourists and expats die there every year.

A lot more than we find out about.

And mostly Darwinian related.