Watch this if you have an old Sail boat Ep 430

[@SailingSnowGum]

@ 18:01 I'm sure someone has already mentioned this ... re the 'no stoppers, no backflow valves ..". Seawater is going to come in via the new through-hull and hose and fill up your bilges. Once it's full enough, the Whale pump will try to keep up with the inflow. If a siphon is created, the Rule pump will soon need to kick in as well. On Snow Gum, the sail locker would fill up with sea water via the outlet hose of the bilge pump located in there. We stopped this with a one-way valve, installed in the hose near the through hull, which by the way was right up at deck level, nearly 1.6m above waterline. Yep, sea water rushed into the sail locker each time a wave splooshed over the starboard bow. The one-way valve fixed the problem. 🙂

[@jeffatoms1]

Hey guys! Thanks for welcoming the rest of us into your adventure. Really two types of people, those that complain and those that laugh when others would complain when their boat tests them. Thanks for reminding us that life is a series of choices we make. You are making good choices and creating great memories for when choices like you have today are no longer available. Trust me, you will be smiling long into the future.

[@Rainmaker60LM]

If you have not fixed this yet i would recommend buying Caswell Epoxy and cleaning the tank with solvent then pouring in a lot of Caswell to fill the bottom 10-12mm of the fuel tank. Caswell is impervious to Ethanol fuel and diesel.

[@seandayma]

You were being blessed to find the fuel tank issues before you splashed again. That tank is wasted.

[@tartansailor]

I had the same issue, my tank was 50 years old, no inspection ports. It all started with a leak and I drilled two inspection port holes, saw the goo inside. I had the tank repaired but I added a few coats of POR15 Gas Tank paint as an additional protection. Best of luck, Cheers, Richard

[@leezettb]

Thank you for this video. We have a 25 year old boat, no inspection holes for the two fuel tanks and I have been harping on John to inspect before we go. Of course it’s big job and he is feeling it’s not necessary and a polish will be fine. Well I had your video up on loud during our morning coffee and now he is respectfully acknowledging his non mechanical gal may have known what I was talking about 😜. It’s now on our to do list 🎉- Merry Christmas. 🎄 guys. I hope you have a wonderful Xmas day and fun new year 🍺 🍹 . Splash day is around the corner 🙌

[@Mike-uc1eu]

Hello and Merry Christmas Sarah, Lee, and Family. Please don't use JB Weld in fuel, it will fail. The product you want is Flame Master 8802. It is made to coat and seal "wet wing" aircraft fuel tanks. It is made to bond to the aluminum skin of aircraft, and be in constant contact with fuel without breaking down. Hope to see you splashed in Jan 25!

[@jonathanwetherell3609]

You can get galvanic corrosion inside an oil tank. At the boundary between the water and oil (or sludge) there can be a differential oxygen cell corroding. It usually manifests as a line of corrosion. The first thought of a pin hole from breaking the welding arc is classic and the most likely cause of a pin hole at a weld.

[@codegame027]

I don't know if it would possible at this point but a fuel tank sealer would be a good idea ... if possible

[@leehoffman3604]

Wow, what a mess in the fuel tank. I know you are really glad you found that before you hit rough water. Had you not found it, you would have been eating through filters and having problems for ages, but you know that. In your last video, when you were on a Cat trip to Australia, they called you Mr. Fix It. And you are. Just one more thing you absolutely needed to fix. I know the entire family is glad you did. Another great job, Lee.

[@Lana_Warwick]

8:00 🐈‍⬛ Cute. Wonder what the rest of the fuel system, injectors, etc, look like. I prefer using smaller individual poly tanks, i.e. jerry's. Swap pickup if issues with last fuel purchase, easy to remove, clean, less condensation issues, tinny ashore for cheap road-side (non-marina) prices. 17:55 Those holes are a bit close, hope it doesn't crack between them via vibration.

[@ExtraordinaryHorizons]

Magnificent job! We know exactly what it takes-this is pure dedication.

[@russellsmith8609]

Motor cycle shops have a two part liquid product that you put in your tank and roll it around to seal up any leaks. In your case with the access holes you could spread it around with a paint brush. You could put it in after you put in the JB Weld and it would last forever, cheers.

[@Steven-bl3mn]

In the aviation world we use a product called proseal. I have always hated working with it, but it works

[@cazV67]

Merry Christmas guys, shame you’re having to wait, but better safe than sorry . Wishing you all safe and happy holidays from south Wales Uk

[@BillGornicki-qj9mk]

Stay strong Lee. You’ve made the right move every step of the way. These last “tests” just further prove your worth and capabilities. The light at the end of your tunnel is a bright sky and not an oncoming train.😊

[@nicemovies7461]

I had a professional pump out my old fuel, then steam clean the inside of my tank. My tank is made of steel. One of the previous owners had cut out an inspection hatch. My professional guy said the same thing you guys said: you have to clean the tank, not just polish the fuel. Anyone buying a old boat should have the inside of the fuel tank and the water tank inspected. My guy charges $200 an hour. It cost me $700 to have my 40 gallon/151 liter tank cleaned.

[@skyd8726]

You have dodged a bullet with that fuel tank! Be thankful for discovering it. In the meantime, have a really great X-mas and New Year!!!

[@SRM_NZ]

I should have watched this episode during teatime...just lovely!

[@stevenplancich6449]

Oh Well…Sadly repairs are again delaying the “Splash”…But you are 100% right about Boat Safely…Continue to Stay Safe and Enjoy 😎

[@rockylockhart7301]

Happy Holidays, great video I learned alot. Something I need to inspect on our boat, plus looking at all through holes as well.. Merry Christmas

[@sailingsitka]

Ahhhh the feeling of having a clean tank will be such good peace of mind. We just ran into some diesel bug cutting off our engine at the worst possible time .

[@tonybeach3792]

Wishing you a happy Christmas and prosperous new year 2025 from a friend in Ireland

[@smokindauberdoo4208]

Happy Holidays my KZbin friends 😊😇

[@SailingCatalpa]

Thanks mate 🤗

[@KubotaTee]

We had a very similar experience with our 20+ year old “new to us” sailboat. Fortunately, it was a fairly easy removal and once we cut the inspection ports and got it cleaned out, it was evident that it needed to be replaced! We took the opportunity to add some upgrades to the new tank and now have the peace of mind of knowing that we won’t be facing any unexpected fuel issues while under passage.

[@rossmain4142]

Nearly there guys. Merry Christmas to you all and look forward to seeing the big girl splash in the new year.

[@yachticus]

sometimes with those older aluminium tanks - all you need to get a pin hole in them is a dropped piece of wire, steel, even a painters scraper resting against the alloy for a time - and corrosion sets in. its craps darts but maybe the JB weld will fly - if you dont fill the tank completely - like only 1/2 fill as you need?

[@montanadan2524]

You did the right thing opening up the tank to deal with the problem and I'm sure you will come up with a rock solid fix. To others that wonder if their tank is a ticking time bomb of corrosion and growth, following is a possible tool to help you determine if the tank needs cleaning or replacement without cutting access holes. Purchase some Gasoila paste, and a wood or metal dowel that will fit into one of your tank access points (my tank had a spare 1/2" fitting welded on with a removable threaded plug). You may have to use the return fuel line port if a spare access is not available (note the pickup line will have a dip tube so its not a good candidate). The dowel should be long enough to reach all the way to the bottom of the tank. Coat the bottom inch of the dowel with the paste and lower it down to the bottom. Should the paste changed color, it came in contact with water. Needless to say, if you got water in the bottom of the tank, there is probably corrosion and or growth. You can also use the dowel to scrap the bottom of the tank to check for growth. My 35 year old IP had no water or growth. I have treated my tanks with byocide each time fuel was added and the boat is stored with a full tank in the off season. I was told the previous owner did the same. Here's hoping your tanks are water free.

[@FranklinGray]

I agree. The fuel tank is the most overlooked issue on used boats. In fact, considering it's almost impossible to keep growth out on sailboats, I think it's the first thing that should be looked at after buying a used boat. Gotta open up the tank, empty it, and manually clean it. Fuel polishers will not clean up the junk on the bottom. No additive will break up that growth. The additives are for preventative measures. It looks like you have access to the whole tank, so why not replace it? That is what I would do....replace it with 2 plastic ones. The plastic tanks seem to last a lot longer. The metal tanks always leak. I have a built in fiberglass tank...aka...part of the hull. I have two 150 gallon tanks and there is just 1 small access plate. I've never had junk in my filter and the previous owner said he cleaned it, but I have no clue how as 98% of the top of the tank is not accessible. I may have to cut a few holes in the side of the tank and then re-fiberglass it, but the side of the tank is also part of the structure of the hull so really don't want to do that. I love the size of the tanks and love how it's way below the water line so it's good weight and I love how it will never leak, but I have no idea how I will clean it.

[@sails3538]

A good fuel biocide is Bio bore Jr. A great tip is to add a couple ounces per gallon to your bottom paint right before putting it on your hull. Works a treat.

[@Thealder07]

It's better finding the tank problem now than after you splash.. have a merry Christmas to you all and a happy new year

[@davidh3194]

Merry Christmas to the four of you. May 2025 be full of wonderful sailing adventures. Cheers!

[@dalenelewis9110]

Sorry about the fuel tank but at least you cleaned and will be a better piece of mind you wont have to worry about it.merry Christmas and happy new year.

[@4tech69]

Merry Xmas guys! All these things are a pain but so worth in in 2025, when hopefully you'll be able to do everything you want with just general maintenance needed.

[@candd1280]

We know your pain! We own a pearson 424 ketch. When and if we need to replace our diesel tank I would use a fuel bladder. We used these in the military for fuels and potable water.

[@seandayma]

Wishing you all the best for the coming year!

[@colinmansell3524]

Bad luck with the fuel tank. Merry Christmas to all 4 of you. Enjoy your time and keep the faith.

[@davidlevitz3119]

VERY EDUCATIONAL ! GREAT ATTITUDES < JUST ROLL WITH IT ! LIKE YOU ALL ALWAYS DO ! ANY 20 to 40 year old vessel has all this waiting for them the day tank approach with dual racors between fuel tank and the day tank and another set of racors between the day tank and the engine , seems the way to go ! and a polishing system as well ..and regular biociding treatments ,,,also baja filters while adding new fuel to your primary tanks ! YOU KNOW THE DRILL ! ,,,, A GREAT VIDEO YOUVE DONE HERE !

[@robertlightfoot273]

Merry Christmas 🎄 Glad you found out about the diesel tank and are in good position to address it.🎉

[@ronjohnson9690]

If you are having to make that run up to Phoenix during the holidays, please be extra cautious. Once those deadline commitments for making time to be somewhere runs low, the speed may increase, and just to go with the flow can be a hazard. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Whether in the water or on the stand, you will still be home for the holiday.

[@simonlane7817]

Merry Chrissy Team Catalpa! Thank you for taking us along on your repair / refit - As a viewer its been really interesting. Looking foward to seeing your 2025 adventures 😊. Stay safe & keep up the great work.

[@barneyscott8634]

Thanks

[@garoldjackson8401]

My name is back on the mast, so I get to go sailing with you. You will be starting out the New Year with Catalpa II better than new... Happy sailing.

[@markbernier8434]

Try asking around wherever the big rig drivers hang out. I've heard there is a spray liner they use for pitted tanks.

[@daynajohnston4684]

Disregard if you replaced tank. Due to Ukraine war, the steel went up to 4x, quoted 12k usd. We had same problem. My hubby pulled tank and fixed with his dad’s help, the engineer whom built dams and missile silos. Our tank was original, now we’ve sailed 7200 miles no problems. If interested let us know. I don’t know what all he did, i’m a flight nurse, i fix people. lol.

[@andrewkeir2282]

Happy Xmas Catalpa from Victoria Oz. We are back home after evacuating cos of bushfires...

[@laurapitre5797]

Hopefully that bilge pump exit being that low doesn't cause water to backlog into the pump.

[@neardark7017]

it never end does it....merry christmas guys

[@mattcarroll106]

Merry Christmas to all!

[@dougmassey1807]

Have a Bonzer Christmas and splash in the New Year

[@victorvos2833]

Merry Chrismas to you! You are still smiling and thats super. You can always sing after the repair of the tank: there is a rat in my kitchen from ub40!😉

[@deborahtaylor9432]

Merry Xmas guys look forward to seeing how you celebrate xxx

[@jeffbeckychudek4675]

A tank that accessible I’d focus on the bilge pump, let the small bit leak for a week (or set up a temporary tank), shove that boat in the water and fix the tank on the blue…

[@stephentuttle6630]

I am very curious as to the approach that you are taking to seal the tank. Great review of a problem that can occur with any boat.

[@paulmann1440]

Happy Christmas Rice family. Hope you have a great, peaceful Christmas and thank you for another great vlog. Great, in-depth look at a singular, but ultimately so critical, part of your beloved vessel. How many more SV's and MV's must be out there with fouled fuel tanks! Have a good one ❤

[@allenclark1914]

Merry Christmas , have a safe Holiday, see you in the New Year.

[@franbaas3403]

Thank you and merry Christmas from Coolum Beach, Qld

[@shaneparrish9991]

Use PS Bio Kleen and PS Clear Diesel to maintain. Works great

[@gregwillden6181]

Impressive! Resolve and fortitude. A role model not only for your family but for all of us. Merry 🎄 Christmas. I would want you on my team.

[@Stakman1]

Hang in there guys! You got this!

[@barneyscott8634]

Lee u got the patience of a saint ol mate good on ya , have a great chrissy u lot and may be red sails in the sunset.😅

[@SVNalu]

Merry Christmas and a very happy, healthy and adventurous 2025!

[@jaycallin4807]

Captain Fix It is the appropriate title for Lee. I think I’m finally caught up to date. I often wonder if the tank is that bad on the boat, how bad are the fuel tanks at the marina? Could that sludge be coming from fuel ups? And now rats?? Is it time to find out a little more about the previous owner. What kind of a guy was he. What was his personality like? Bella did a voice over on the Catamaran trip back to Australia and mentioned the owner died onboard. Is his spirit living onboard now and teasing you guys with all of these boat projects he never got to why he was alive? Is it time for an exorcist to come onboard and rid boat project spirit away? 🤣 Looking forward to see the inspection ports installed. Enjoy. P.S is that Jay Collin on the mast, me? If so it’s CALLIN! 😂 🥰

[@pbasswil]

Your fuel tank sludge looks _exactly_ like what I find at the back of my fridge, when I do its regular cleaning regime (every 5 years, punctually & religiously).

[@RobertRobinson-hl2hy]

I cant believe you didn't check your fuel tanks ages ago and not leave it till the last minute. Looks like you need to renew it to me, or at least take it out and total reweld. Best Christmas wishes to you all.

[@clydebaker1857]

Merry Christmas to you all 😊

[@1hornet1]

Merry Christmas to you guys. I hope 2025 is full of incredible cruising and great times. Did I miss the rigging being done? I saw the episode of installing the masts but don't see the rigging.

[@cyndiejanus57]

Merry Christmas and happy new yearCAPATA family

[@jlmbradshaw3619]

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Splashing is getting closer and closer!

[@SigisTravelVideos]

Thank you for this wonderful video, and a Merry Christmas to you too!

[@paulklebaum1682]

Merry Christmas!❤

[@russellneville7145]

Merry Christmas guys & all the best for the new year ❤. Mmm, you have me worried about our boat now. Mmm something that needs checking 👍. SV Kiwi Lady Opua Bay of islands New Zealand 👍🏿

[@alanmolloy3661]

Happy wife, happy life. You should know that, captain. LMAO 🤣

[@JosephTabone-j4p]

Merry Christmas to you and the family and a Happy Year🥰🥰🥰🥰🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲

[@Paul-kz3by]

I wish you a merry Christmas and happy new year love watching you guys

[@bloodyeyeful]

Merry Christmas.

[@mirekbns]

Another really good episode, happy holidays!

[@alanmolloy3661]

I forgot to say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

[@iainlyall6475]

i had to watch the video twice b/c of the cat 😂 do you have a fuel cleaning system just before the engine? might consider it. Merry Christmas and see you in the new year.

[@fokkosmit1750]

Merry Xmas from holland

[@lancer2204]

11:45 diesel tank kombucha?

[@lmarcus8697]

Run a magnet in the bilge

[@lmarcus8697]

Love the cat

[@bigmikes2140]

Could give a “Blue Demon Triple Play Low Temp Aluminum-Zinc Brazing Rod “ to fix the leak. No welding skills required

[@rbagrizzly]

I would think the corroded area could be filled with JB weld also.

[@paullothian]

Merry Christmas and a safe 2025

[@californiakayaker]

The diesel tank ? Of course, the kitty chewed a hole in it. What else could it be ? Its almost as if you need a little robot sub scraper like one of those robot vacuam cleaners that would run around in the diesel on the bottom of the tank, scrapping and then sucking out crap. I've seen them designed to clean the outside hulls of boats but never one that works in a diesel tank or maybe even a water tank !

[@alstyreshaddon2645]

i love your pussycat , i have been following you guys for ages and that cat has no idea what he is infor travelling oceans , cheers Alister in OZ.

[@timknoll116]

POR 15 or Rust Bullet. Is either worth the price?

[@andrewchristopher7138]

Hi

[@SailingCatalpa]

Gday mate

[@chrischilders2188]

Please don’t lose hope. You all have just about replaced and repaired everything!

[@The_Riddler21]

[@72chargerse72]

Do your selves a favour... Remove the tank and cut off whatever you need to, of the bottom, (its crap anyway) and replace the plate with new aluminum. It doesnt have to v but it HAS to be good for a long time. Out of the boat is better to weld.

[@svlolalouise9763]

Bella is a babe ❤❤

[@mark-i2b8i]

What are those DEMON EYES in the back ground over your left shoulder?? LOL, you edited those Demon eyes out of your video. It was distracting. Merry Christmas and a Wonderful New Year.

[@nyeates3467]

time to get rid of the cat before you leave land!! cats dont belong out there unless you need bait to catch bigger fish!!

[@Bigfish300]

Shame, the CAT sounds vegan or pescaterian.....maybe it was an LA or New Yorker before being abandoned for its eating preferences ....🤪🤪

[@bottledungdungwekwek]

Get outa that marina ! I haven’t watched for a while, but you ALL……… look OLDER ! ( sorry…. Truth bomb )

[@danpoczynek]

Could you say drop a liter or two of some type of solvent in the diesel tank to help loosen the sludge then use a manual pump the extract the fluid