impact of diesel on fiberglass?

[fla.sailor]

Hey folks,

There was a fuel spill in our marina last night and 700 gallons of diesel leaked into the basin. Of course, our boat is right across from the sunk barge.... Will this much diesel do harm to our hull?

thanks!
-dennis

[Pblais]

Will this much diesel do harm to our hull?

Probably be a mess to clean up.

[Chief Engineer]

From what I read....it was 100 gallons.....If you can spill it inside the boat it won't hurt.

Outside, it will be a pain to clean.....but a sponge and soap should do it.

[David M]

Older gel coat is very porous. It may or may not leave a permanent stain. Its hard to say. I would just keep scrubbing the waterline or go get the boat hauled out or moved to a different marina until the mess has been cleaned up. The people at the boat yard may have ideas on how to remove it from the gel coat if it does happen to stain it.

Of course, the bill goes to the barge owners insurance company.

[Chief Engineer]

Rotsa Ruck

The article I read said that this was a common occurrence of sinking or near sinking......

[Alan Wheeler]

The only real issue with the more modern fuels and Fibreglass is the methanol in the fuel. But outside on the water surface, methanol is going to evaporate pretty fast. I was just reading last night that a few lawsuits are being filed against some fuel companies in the US right now in regards to tanks failing and engines being destroyed due to the dissolved gunk in the fuel causing internal damage.

[little boat]

How are your manatees, fla.?

[Chief Engineer]

The Class Action Lawsuit was filed back in April by a California Law Firm.

This pertains to Gasoline....not Diesel.

I have heard a few anecdotal reports here....haven't experienced any thing in larger boats....but it has raised havoc with lightly used dinghys......I have rebuilt/cleaned
close to a dozen carbs for outboards this year and four Zeniths for A-4's.