THIS BOAT IS TROUBLE! Dealing With Diesel Bug On A Boat!

After having issues when we launched our boat, we had no choice but to lift the boat back out of the water to fully assess all the problems, so we remove the fuel tanks and what we found inside and out was shocking!
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[@petegilbert6886]

total respect getting those tanks out Simon. Massive job well done.

[@chrisfairbrother9197]

Good call to remove the tanks. Look back at your trial number 5; the port engine is steaming more than the starboard one. This suggests the heat exchanger may be constricted. It (they) can be descaled with acid. Watch the water temperature on your next trial. Keep plugging on, you will get there in the end. 😊👍

[@michaelturrell6101]

I think you will have to bite the bullet and replace both tanks to be on the safe side. Poly or stainless is the way to go. Corrosion scabs in your tank will not get better only worse. Best of luck to both of you Regards Mike

[@brian.7966]

yes I agree, It is better to be safe than sorry. well done for keeping your cool. ?

[@jimclark8845]

I would have suggested cutting the bottom off the tank, clean the sides baffles and underside of the top and welding a new skin on the bottom of the tank. While you have the tanks out add a drain port so when they are returned if you ever need to empty them it would just be a drain tap. Also when you put the deck back use bolts so you don't need to use a cutting disk to remove it.

[@marksouthall3737]

Get new tanks

[@glyndevonport7802]

By putting a drain point at the bottom of the tank you run the risk of it leaking all the fuel into the bilge. Far better that all tank penetration points are in the top to avoid this. Yes replace the bottom of the tank. But still cut access hatches into each section to weld the baffles in place and to help any future maintenance. The deck beam needs to be fiberglassed back in place for the strength and also restore the integrity of the cockpit drains, otherwise the engine bay could flood.

[@glyndevonport7802]

@@marksouthall3737 Cost of new tanks far outweighs the cost of repairing them.

[@rolfgubner4056]

putting in a bung plug into bottom drain after the tap solves the problem of accidental spills

[@rolandtb3]

Can you use a degreaser solution to soak and penetrate. Then flush with power washer or an industrial steam cleaner. Probably close the back 3 and leave the front 3 as visible access hatches. When you were siphoning the diesel out the tanks, you could haved used a funnel plus a filter medium (cheese cloth, fine strainer) in the funnel to catch particles. That full drum was a chore to move. Fill the drum halfway. Then use the smaller pails to top up the drum. Secure full drum on an upright dolly and transport to the truck. Would recommend using solvent resistant elbow length golves to minimize cuts and skin allergy issues. Halfway there.

[@PaPawsWorkShop]

I can see that you’ve moved heavy objects solo before. That has been my lot in life. Everyone calls me for help, yet rarely is anyone available when I’m in need. Great work you two.😁God’s Blessings from beautiful Cobbs Creek Virginia, USA

[@ShipHappensAdventures]

You can move anything with a big enough Lever and smart thinking!

[@davidelliott5843]

More than 20 years ago I made a biodiesel reactor and bought a 205 litre barrel of methanol. OMG that was heavy. I had a pukka barrel barrow but had to strap the barrel on and get it into the garage. Part of the process involved putting the freshly made biodiesel over clean water and bubbling air through. Silicons rubber tube (proof to everything (innit) and an aquarium stone and pump were set to work bubbling air through the setup. 24 hours later the stone was a pile of crumbs and the silicone rubber tube was like hard PVC and just as brittle. Biodiesel also cleaned out my wax caked fuel tank and exposed a faulty fuel injector. But the 1995 engine loved it. Anything older would have needed new seals and flexible pipes throughout the system. Obviously, this boat has not seen neat methyl ester but 7% sat for 10 to 20 years will do the job.

[@johnrobbo69]

“He’s just squidded on me”……. classic!!! 😂

[@geo3802]

You guys are not "normal" and I mean that as a compliment. 90% would have just replaced those tanks rather than trying to save them. But you two are so exceptionally handy and innovative that you will save those tanks. That is what makes it so fun and informative to watch. Great job!

[@southerneruk]

Those black lumps are HCC scale, it's the same stuff you find in your oven and what is found in the heat exchangers in oil refineries, warning it burns very well it can also self ignite, would be a good idea to cut the bottom of the tanks off and have a good clean out and replace with new steel

[@rudie2902]

Simon, please wear eye protection when cutting fiberglass. In fact always when using an angle grinder, saw, etc.

[@AM-pl2pt]

You two are text book examples of it is not what happens to but how you respond! Absolutely love how you two are persistent and overcome the issues encountered.!!

[@Losgunna1954]

So sorry for all this diesel crap. These tanks look like they’re at the end of their life. Push that boat out again and get new tanks! ❤️❤️

[@darrellholland1523]

Using the same tanks will no doubt have a repeat performance in the future!

[@skunkjobb]

My tanks looked even worse but with some Por 15 tank sealant, they are still holding up four years later and I think they have many more years to come.

[@ifax1245]

Must admit, I'd have gone for a pair of new poly tanks...

[@martin4787]

Me too tbh

[@ShipHappensAdventures]

Us to, but unfortunately we can't afford it!!

[@martin4787]

@@ShipHappensAdventures I'm not sure I'd want to be far off shore with those tanks however, considering that boat will fly across the Irish Sea for a nice weekend in Ireland.

[@jimmyjohnstone5878]

There must be a way to completely empty and flush through a diesel tank and pipes. You decanted lots into containers and did a filter job when returning that lot to the tanks, but there was still residual diesel in the tanks and pipelines, so the system remained contaminated.

[@martin4787]

@@jimmyjohnstone5878 To me the problem is the tanks are rotten, rusted through.

[@chazzyb8660]

Looking at the state of those tanks I'd be tempted to start again, either with new tanks or fabricate them yourselves? But you guys are brilliant, you'll sort it.

[@ricksmith4736]

Agreed.. I think I would be getting some estimates for new tanks..

[@lauralake7430]

Thats what i love about this channel. Dunkirk spirit. Simon and Gemma will sort out whatever comes their way!

[@richardstamper5630]

You two are absolutely fabulous, your dedication and hard work is inspiring. As a boat owner and a mechanic I applaud you for the work you are prepared to carry out in search of memories out on the water. A top team for sure.

[@andrewlocke1637]

What would new tanks cost

[@normancooper2699]

Norman Cooper I am a retired balancing engineer, and the firm that straightened the drive shaft and propellers should have balanced them, preferably on their respective drive shaft. unbalance will certainly give you the vibration your experiencing, and may pay you to investigate whilst the boat is on hard standing,

[@FastHatTrick]

Simon, the combination of patience, knowhow and problem solving is second to none. The fact you do it all while adding in the complications of filming is beyond my comprehension. But I appreciate you bringing us along for the journey.

[@hamshackleton]

Having seen the corrosion on the tank sides - never mind the holes in the bottom - I'd say totally scrap them and replace with new. They've been empty for a long time, and damp has got in - possibly temperature variations making them 'breathe', so will only get worse in the long run.

[@pedrom5919]

I had power boats since the 80's and if you permit me, for safety reasons i strongly recommend to install a pair of NEW tanks. Don't forget to replace all the fuel lines, fuel valves and filters. Best regards from Brazil

[@cartertanya1258]

Hi, when diesel bug was originally treated ,the treatments used to solidify it as you have . Today's treatment doesn't do this . But bug is more of an issue today as bio diesel added to all diesels. I suggest you fit a polishing system to your boat after sorting this. Get the bottom skin cut off and new fitted , please don't over skin .

[@blackbirdmark495]

This series of videos on both your vessels is absolutely fascinating. As a suggestion, would it be more cost effective to have new fuel fabricated rather than spend lots of man/woman hrs in cleaning the original tanks followed by repairing them ? Just a suggestion. Keep up the good work 👍

[@hanyoukimura]

They certainly cleaned up better than I i expected, but rust never sleeps and there's visible corrosion in the cleaned areas. Considering the amount of work it takes to remove and reinstall them, as well as how vital they are, it's worth considering replacements. Maybe having stainless steel ones fabricated?

[@MonkPetite]

These tanks are bogus, time for new plastic types . Or bag tank within the old tank. Obviously keep you tanks full every time you leave it for while. This to prevent condensation inside the tank. As I said before make a cross feed system and a filter unit that keeps pumping diesel around.

[@phillipatkinson929]

Those tanks are rotten. Fit new poly tanks they’re much lighter too

[@raymondbarber4176]

Love the fact that you two are straight in without hesitation. Your certainty not scared to take on anything you come across. Keep going your hard work will pay off. Can't wait to see the power the engines are capable of..

[@ShipHappensAdventures]

Anything can be fixed with time, money and patience!

[@billmoran3812]

Simon did a massive job getting those tanks and the fuel out! Only thise of us who’ve done jobs like that on our boats can really appreciate the effort. It’s sad to say that when buying a used boat, you get to find out why it was sold. Often the previous owner ran out of patience, or money or both and the buyer gets the result. You are going about this the right way. It’s discouraging to have to fix the things you can’t readily see, but that’s the reality. Keep this in mind while working on Sarinda. You are learning some of the many things that can be lurking unseen. Perseverance is the key. Find and fix, and repeat… BTW, it was fun to see Emilia, casually stroll in front of the camera. You have a great family.

[@kennethpaladino4948]

I think U guys should replace those tanks! Start fresh & use POR 15 tank cleaner, acid & sealer on new tanks! U will never have an issue with fuel tanks again! If ur gonna try & save the old tanks, b sure 2 use the POR 15 kit 2 acid wash, clean & coat the inside! After welding up those holes, of course! Good luck guys! 👍❤️👏

[@jabjab1010]

Who is the old guy. I might have missed his introduction. I think he is amazing. I can tell that he turns off his eyes and lets his feet, ears, body “read” the boat. A real pro.

[@spotweld]

Simon is a pretty determined and ingenious fellow..glad this is nothing he can't handle

[@richardball9724]

Iam thinking simon should engage his mad welding skills and make up some new tanks

[@martin4787]

Me too. I wouldn't be trusting them tbh Richard.

[@bartjohnson8139]

The rust on the sidewalls is concerning to me. After cleaning, I’ve had tanks acid dipped, and lined to cover and encapsulate whatever rust is left. There are DIY kits available, but I always elected to have someone that does it all the time handle the job. Most radiator repair places do lining jobs, at least here in Dallas Texas😎

[@eddyhammerton3310]

Great work you two. Simon is a very clever bloke getting that drum in the van on his own.

[@Mister_G]

The crunchy stuff is mostly rust, not diesel bug: The tanks have sat with water in the bottom. Cut the bottom skin off & weld a new one on, but add a small sump with a drain valve so you can drain off any water periodically. You can give the old fuel a shot of biocide as a bit of insurance against future problems - we used to use one by Grotamar.

[@chrislegg8945]

I'm a biker , know absolutely nothing about boats but am absolutely enthralled by your channel . Your skills , knowledge and work ethic in particular should be shown in schools as an example . Good luck to you and your family and I'll look forward to seeing you enjoy all your boats , ps ,Simon how you got those tanks out by yourself was incredible , well done .👍

[@stevebaker5642]

while you're at it with the fuel tanks etc, I suggest you change all the fuel lines as well

[@markmatthews7401]

Buy cheap spend lots is Jim Davidsons philosophy , Shes nearly there after a few issues its a learn as you go experience. My money to buy my own is on its way 52ft Sunseeker Manhattan. Teamwork makes the DREAMWORK You've got this.

[@WimvdBrink]

That was a close call, smart to completely remove the tanks and get them inspections done in the work shed.. crazy what some people do to their stuff.. maybe the ship crash landed to the ground because the engines went out of control because of bad fuel going in. I can't believe anyone would fix a leak in a tank like this. So much fun seeing you two working :-)

[@doonhamer252]

Kudos for sticking with it, this is a huge lesson that many boaters or boat renofitters should listen to honestly, I'd advise checking the complete system from injectors back to tanks all metal parts every fitting. Honestly, I would scrap those tanks, and start fresh..after checking those motors again .. something is not right with that motor either the thermostats, sensor or HE .. worse heads. We had a boat, a converted West Coast Salmon trawler come into the yard after a near disaster as the tanks drained into bilges overnight. This after they had just replaced the steel tanks for SSteel ones ( not our job) the fittings were coming apart as we replaced them. We have polished out fuel, but when still it's that bad or suspected .. we recycle it and refill it with new fuel.. if nothing else, it gets rid of a diagnostic variable. we use to use an old welding rod cabinet with a 300-watt bulb for the incubator and for keeping pies warm ..

[@jeremyyork3538]

You pair have a fantastic couple of You Tube channels. Your 'can do' attitude is remarkable and your ability to capture and keep our interest is a winning formula. The structure of your videos is just right and the quality of the camera work is first rate. I always look forward to your new videos and they always brighten my day - thank you!

[@AquaMarine1000]

Fit a Fuelmag fuel conditioner in the fuel line from the tank before the filters. The product is made in New Zealand and consists of housing with a magnet by which the fuel flows around.

[@shelleyregnier6671]

Fantastic job getting those two tanks out by yourself, Si. Those fuel tanks will be almost as good as new by the time you get done with them.

[@ShipHappensAdventures]

I hope so!

[@pitbull2743]

Great job with the tanks. I know it would be very expensive, but I would have the tanks examined by a tank expert. My suspicion is. after all those years, they are time expired and in the end after all you have gone through, the tanks will have to be replaced anyway. That also may apply to your navy ship. Good luck!

[@rogersillence5798]

At the very least i would cut the bottoms off both tanks and replace with fresh steel, that way you can access any dodgy looking rust spots on the rest of the tanks and treat/repair as necessary. However I would love to see Simon fabricate new tanks from stainless or ally, but appropriate time and money is always an issue. You guys always do such great work, keep it up, can't wait to find out what route you take.

[@MrMattDat]

Simon, you are a madman for moving that barrel of diesel yourself!

[@russgier4409]

Definitely work smarter not harder

[@clivewilliams3661]

We won't point out that moving that amount of fuel in a Transit van is somewhat illegal.

[@derekwarner6898]

Just a thought, there is a lot of rust spots, which could mean leak problems in the near or far future. How much would new plastic tanks cost?, might be cheaper than fixing those steel tanks!!

[@srbaker]

When you get the tanks cleaned and are filling them back up, add some fuel stabilizer to keep the diesel from gelling. This is a common problem in old tractors that sit all winter, too. Should be able to pick this up at any auto shop, but it's worth seeing if there are any that are specifically marine grade.

[@nofider1]

Great job guy's. Don't risk it.... New tanks. Those aluminium tanks look well past their sell by date. Good luck and keep smiling :-)

[@quadrapoint]

Their not ally their steel

[@nofider1]

@@quadrapoint Definitely aluminium.... See Simons comments further down. :-)

[@davedixon2068]

@@nofider1 corrosion on aluminium is white the corrosion patches in the tanks look red/brown indicating steel

[@dennisaskew7004]

I would save any future headaches and replace those tanks. You will sleep better 😎

[@robf9931]

I appreciate ALL the circumstances but some things just have to be replaced. Safety is paramount. Do the right thing and replace them. You'll be surprised how much support you will have.

[@ocean686]

I removed a single 20 gallon historic steel tank from my 1976 Seamaster for the same reasons. Cleaned it and put it back, and it was fine for 6 weeks - then small leak at bottom plate on weld seam. Took it out again. Although no visible holes like you have, the bottom plate is worn and pitted in places. Re-plated (4mm) over existing, coming up sides 100mm. Re-fitted bottom 3/4" drainplug. No weld joints at base of tank as forged the steel around the old tank with 90 degree bend(like a pan) and continuous weld 100mm around the sides. So no weld exposed to boat hull. One guy at marina workshop said replace with new plastic tank (but I am old fashioned traditionalist)

[@BrianWilliams-oy5rq]

Simon, you really need to put two switchable fuel filters on each motors supply, this is a safety measure really.

[@loki7441]

Simon as we say in Ireland, 'Yer A Horse of a Man' getting a 200 litre drum into the van on your own, never mind getting the tanks out. Hopefully, fingers crossed you have broken the back of the issue. I would suggest you pressure test the tanks after all the welding etc. 15.7 /16.7 psi should be enough, once its slightly above 1 bar. Soapy water on any fittings & welds will show up a leak. We once had a mobile water tank built in stainless steel. The guy who built never tested it. We did when we saw all the welds turning a wet shade. The welds were like Aero. He Tig welded it out doors and the wind blew the argon away from the weld.

[@horugeru7779]

Wow, Wow, Wow! What an incredible job! Took out these cute mini baby tanks all by yourself without any help and didn't lose the good mood, not even for a moment. That deserves all my respect!

[@andrewballantine]

I would not entertain putting those tanks back in. They are mild steel an will always rust. If you switch to poly tanks you will undoubtedly loose capacity because they won’t be as good a fit. I would recommend fabricating 2 new stainless steel tanks.

[@bigbadjohn10]

Having seen the corrosion, I think I would ask around, but price up a stainless replacement or see if it is possible to galvanise the repaired tank including the pieces to cover the inspection holes.

[@robbo770]

Agree 2 x new poly tanks, reduce weight and no corrosion in the future!

[@johnsterling5611]

My grandson and really enjoy your channels. Your boat adventures really brings use joy. He 7 wanting to build himself a big boat 🚢 that he can sail around the world 🌎.. So really thank you for helping him find something he interested in... He watches all your videos more than once...

[@ShipHappensAdventures]

Whats your grandsons name? I will have to give him a shout out!!

[@johnsterling5611]

@@ShipHappensAdventures his name is Dalton... but grandpa gets to call him little guy. No one else can't.... to anyone else he ask them to call him by his proper name 😂

[@georgecoffman377]

I agree with a lot of the people ! You really need to replace both tanks and I would lean towards polycarbonate because can’t rust or corrode.

[@18robsmith]

Oh burger..... What are the tanks made of - in some shots they look like steel, but in others aluminium. Repair vs replace - that really depends on size and shape. If the tanks are a standard size (or at least one that a manufacturer lists and has in stock) then it may just about be cheaper. However given Simon's welding skills and the tanks being very simple cuboid rectangles repair by replacing the bottom (not patching) could well be far cheaper. Certainly the fuel needs to be polished (de-watered and de-bugged by filtering) before it goes anywhere near an engine.

[@ShipHappensAdventures]

They aluminium, we're sure we can patch these up again

[@richardclark4610]

With a sheet metal shear, brake and a tig welder, you can make up new custom tanks with not much trouble....mild steel, stainless, take your pick!

[@railfan439]

At least, now you know, you know for sure! I can only imagine if that full tank suddenly leaked the whole load into the bilge, and at the wrong time. You did the right thing in pulling the tanks, even if you have to re-manufacture them. You will know for sure that they are correct. Congratulations on doing what the former owner wouldn't do. Thanks for the video. Jon

[@samphillips8322]

Good job on pulling those tanks. Diesel fuel tank contamination plays no favorites. I once bought a used tractor that had the same problem. Of course it showed up when I was cutting hay. Fortunately I still had the old faithful International so was able to finish the job. The "cure" was to get both tanks clean, clean out the fuel lines and filters, and no more problems. Diesels are amazing engines for agricultural and marine applications as long as you have clean fuel and filters. I agree with the suggestion of replacing the tanks with Poly or Stainless...assuming that is in the budget. Best regards.

[@gusbracewell3856]

The fastest way to clean out a diesel fuel tank is to put some gasoline in it to help clean out any slime and any other debris it helps move it to the filters,but you will still need to actually clean them out manually and wipe them clean.

[@dlfendel2844]

Those scenes wrestling the big barrel aboard the van brought back memories, Simon. My family owned a rendering plant in Los Angeles and as a young man I used to drive the routes for my Dad picking up used french-fryer grease from McDonalds' and the like in big 55-gal drums like that one. The art of barrell-rolling is a fine art indeed and the more experienced workers at my dad's plant taught me well about rolling 'em. :) However, the saving grace for me and the workers there was this: The kids at McD's used to be so careless they'd drop big, lovely, hardly used kitchen tools IN the grease, so when we brought them back and emptied them over a steam bed, the screen would catch spatulas, giant spoons, tongs, and even some great commercial knives so everyone who worked for my Dad had a full compliment in their kitchens and backyard bbq's at home! Sadly, I think it is "Change Your Tanks Time" and new ones would make sense. They make 'em in various plastics now, so at least they'd be lighter and easier to manipulate, but I know the cost is probably insane. Darn!

[@jimmurdoch7745]

Great video's guys,... I was lucky to help my father re-build a 47ft, twin diesel motor yacht in the 1970's,.... His boat had been under water, in a fresh water channel in "Bowling Basin" off the Clyde. It sat under-water for 20 years before he bought it. Taking those tanks out was a great call,... but maybe start a tank replacement fund up to let your watchers get involved... NEW TANKS would be an investment in your boats future.

[@grendel1960a]

they say things happen for a reason, if you had never had the issues with the port tank, then you would never have found the holes in the starboard tank, imagine you had tried to do the 100 mile trip, on one tank, and that had developed a leak and dumped 300 litres of diesel into the bilge, that would have left you with a tank that wasnt reliably supplying fuel. big problem. It just proves you were right to haul her out again and sort it out. now have you fond the cause of the vibration, dont forget the final alignment has to be done in the water as once water pressure gets involved the hull can flex slightly and move the engine out of alignment from where it was done on the dock.

[@pangtjonresor]

Hi guys. I must say that you have a lot of energy, it's easy to lose motivation when everything is going against you, but you two go ahead and solve the problems, I am so impressed. A big hug to you fighters. 👏👍

[@darren-cottageatelier8962]

Amazing video, can't help thing though that you will have to write off the tanks. I have no idea what the price of new tanks is but if you can that has to be the best way forward for peace of mind. You guys are brilliant, such hard workers... thanks for sharing the good and the bad 🙂

[@rogergregory5981]

That crud looks like rust you get the sold rust on car chassis coated in underseal when water gets between the metal and underseal , looking at them tanks thay both look rotten I'd cut bottom's out completely and go from there, you work so hard hope it works out ok for you

[@theoilybeard3287]

Thirty degrees odd - stick it on top of your internet router, it'll be about right! It's a good tip for yeast, or chilli plant seeds :)

[@josephpotterf9459]

For me it would be new tanks at whatever cost . I understand saving money but know when to say when. much respect for RnR the tanks

[@mm3rik]

have you thought about converting the tanks to bag tanks (cut the top off the tanks remove the baffles and fit bags inside then bolt the tops back on )

[@FranklinNewhart]

Aluminum can be corroded by dry salt residue on the outside of the tank which is moistened by only air moisture. Costly investment would be have new ones built with stainless. and you will never have the problem again. repairing the tank is only a stop gap solution. But it will give you time to budget for a proper Stainless one.

[@xvdd1]

The diesel bug actually lives in water, or more accurately the boundary layer between water and diesel, so keeping your fuel water free will guarantee it being bug free, if your fuel is in a transparent container you will see any water at the bottom, the black sludge that you removed is actually the bugs waste product from consuming the diesel. Condensation that forms in metal tanks is often the source of the water contamination especially when stored over long periods and diesel fuel tends to contain up to 7% biodiesel which is hygroscopic this means it holds and attracts water more than other fuels which is bad news for diesel.

[@brucepublicover3544]

WOW!!! What a G R E A T Lesson on diesel fuel tanks! I had heard of diesel bug before, and polishing fuel, but this was a wonderfully demonstrated example of what can be hidden in those tanks. I have a tremendous respect for all that you have accomplished on the big boat and this video illustrates what possibly is in the future of unsuspecting boat buyers all over the world. Thank you for sharing this miss-adventure..

[@clydebaker1857]

The right thing would be to REPLACE both tanks. Between the corrosion and the pinholes the risk is far too Great.

[@dongrider9040]

09/19/2023 Hello Ship. After owninng 4 boats if only one thing I have learned. A boat is a hole in the water to pour money into the deep.This will be a difficult clean out project However when it is done you will have hours of fun at sea. My suggestion is to go to a lorri repair shop to find out how they clean the road and local delivery trucks fuel tanks. Thry may also have a recycling tank for the debris. I just replaced my gas fuel tank on my old truck.We put the truck on the lift and the tank started to leak. We thought that we disturbed the bottom rust. All done. New tank and new fuel. I hope ypu find a good splution for this problem without having to replace both tanks. Don usa

[@dcallan812]

The correct way to fix the fuel tank issues, will be the one YOU pick. 👍👍 Keep at it. great update 2x👍

[@lauralake7430]

You know, i have a tendency to take in dogs that need a home for “just a few days” while the owners sort out some illness or issue or whatever…and a few months later, after massive vet bills for teeth or some other issue, hours of training, that dog is so dug into my sofa cushions, big grin on its face, and i realize ive been had again. You two seem to collect boats that do the same thing to you! Ahh well, we love them, right?😅 Edit: ive considered getting a boat, and now that ive seen the condition of the Boutari tanks, i think i will stick with a kayak! Boats are above my paygrade! You two are amazing!

[@chele-chele]

Pop for a couple new poly tanks, they'll last forever, are reasonably priced and you can get them in most any size. Steel tanks, especially once they've gone south will continue to be a PITA...

[@carltontweedle5724]

When you put the diesel back in put a diesel bug additive just on the off chance. I agree with jimclark aswell.

[@fonhollohan2908]

No wonder those engines were starving for fuel. You did a great job cleaning those tanks.

[@ShipHappensAdventures]

Thank you!

[@TheCaptainbeefylog]

I can see Simon welding up some new aluminium tanks in the near future.

[@jamesallen712]

As those tanks are out and you've had issues might be a good idea to change them for plastic or another material and changing the fuel lines.

[@skunkjobb]

I did about the same work but with the tanks still in the boat (would have had to remove the engines to get the tanks out). I cut new holes to access all sections of the tanks, pressure washed and sucked out a lot of rust and mud. Then I sprayed the inside with Por 15 tank sealant (after the recommended prepping). It's not really made to be sprayed but it worked well and is still holding up four years later. If you still have the tanks removed and cleaned you might pour in a can of Por 15 and tumble it around. It will seal pinholes and prevent future corrosion.

[@gusbracewell3856]

To clean your clothes and get rid of the diesel smell use some gojo hand cleaner in your laundry instead of laundry detergent and use an old washing machine if possible. That is how I use to clean my army uniforms when I was a mechanic in the U.S. army it worked every time.

[@maxiemills6982]

You guys have all my sympathy. I hope it goes better than it looks.

[@jamestroup]

Before you said it, I was thinking the same thing at a previous owner and passing the buck on... well done for voicing your opinion.

[@jasonnorthgard5962]

You should really keep that boat on the hard until you can get new tanks made. When you can see the pitting on the inside base of the tank, you know that the aluminum is really porous and at a point where it will fail. At min, you should measure the tanks for size and have them ready for a fabrication shop to make new ones when the money is available. I've been in that very same position with my boat. Great work and great videos. Thank you

[@lvlndco]

Wow, I was surprised you had diesel issues when you checked the one tank and it looked good. Something tells me the previous owner cleaned that once section for selling.

[@Kimdino1]

Re> the diesel bug test. There is always Simon as well. As Mae West almost said "Is that a diesel bug test in your underpants, or are you just pleased to see me me".

[@Rogster559]

With your tanks that rusted I’d seriously look at new tanks if that’s not feasible take the whole rusted plates off replacing them with new and if possible add a sump with a sump valve on each one to collect further crud and makes it easier to transfer fuel in times of an emergency , I put sumps on my tanks after getting dirty fuel twice once from a service station and once from 44 gallon drums that hadn’t had the caps put on properly made for a bad weekend both times , Simon you did a bloody marvellous job getting those tanks out by yourself won’t be long and Gemma will be able to catch some decent size fish and a few good size squid good bait and excellent to eat

[@chrisbray4322]

I would make two new tanks , replace the fuel lines and fit over size filters ,or buy a grp tank , repairs are not a good idea !

[@paulwhite7593]

What miserable and life threatening sellers. I reckon you could sue them for dangerous behaviour. Well done, though, for getting the problem solved. It think it would be wise to totally re-plate the tank tops with a bolted cover so they can be inspected easily in the future and Jet washers are awesome aren't they. Thank you two for the most entertaining and interesting vlogs. As an old ex-sea dog I really appreciate your love for this magnificently constructed boat. Totally worth restoring. When you finally go deep sea come over to Canada so we can congratulate you for your dedication and work.

[@hilary2668]

I wouldn't use those tanks again, they look like they might end up like a pepper pot with that amount of rust. It would be more economical to get new ones made, possibly, aluminium, good with that.

[@srbaker]

When I used to work on old British cars (particularly MGBs), we would often find that the tanks had rotted from the inside out. There were several companies who would clean the tanks, and then blow in fibreglass, effectively creating a fibreglass tank inside the old metal tank. When I lived in Canada, this whole process was only like CAD$100 per tank, so well worth it. Then the old metal tank was free to rot away, and you'd be left with a perfectly shaped fibreglass tank that could not rot. Perhaps this is something you could look into here.

[@petermacinnis5686]

Get fuel polished and change out fuel lines as inner lining could be deteriorating thus leaving chunks of rubber

[@andyherbert1267]

If their are leaks the tanks are knickered you'll have nothing but trouble with them, get rid of them and get some plastic ones that will fit in the spaces. plenty are available, you might have to get less capacity, but your not going to be crossing oceans.

[@stevenholton438]

Timely 'Ship Happens' fix! Good work guys! Welcome to the dirty hands boating fraternity!

[@gregwilliams7227]

I suspect you may’ve discovered the reason behind the propeller and rudder damage… Fuel blockage -> engine failure -> drifted onto a shoal -> prop and rudder damage. Given your demonstrated skills and experience, I fully endorse other comments recommending fabrication of stainless steel tanks. You’ve got the perfect templates with the existing tanks to work off

[@junebrooks665]

What fun this woman is to have aboard your a lucky fella