Fuel Tank Condition

[Chris Bruff]

Hi All,

I am new to Maxums, in fact owning a boat in general. I'm an engineer on larger luxury motor yachts, hence my fairly large first leap into boat ownership. Nothing by halves hey. I am currently in the process of buying a 2005 Maxum 2900 SE. I am getting a full pre-purchase survey undertaken and have been sent a few pictures by the current owner. The boat looks beautiful and extremely well maintained but I noticed what looks like some corrosion on the fuel tank (or what of it I can see from the engine bay).

I have (hopefully) attached a picture, I'm not sure if you'll be able to make out what I am talking about but the aluminium tank at the top of the picture looks to be a bit corroded. I can't make out whether some of what I see is some kind of tape/cladding or all corrosion.

As Owners, is corrosion of the tank an issue?

Many thanks,

Chris

[mmwjr]

Welcome aboard

Not the best picture for getting a good look at the tank but there does appear to be some corrosion. Most fuel tanks fail on the bottom where water gets trapped. You can perform a pressure test on the tank to see if it’s leaking but I would go in thinking the tank may need to be replaced in a few years. This is a big job and the engines need to come out to do so.

[Chris Bruff]

Hi Mike,

Thanks for your input, and yes, I was thinking the same. The thought of replacing the tank doesn't overly concern me as I have had to do the same with one of the Tenders to the vessel on which I work. Although it's very different when its somebody else's money you're spending.

On these Maxums, is there a need to cut out the cockpit floor as well? I know it's hard to say, but what do you think a rough estimate of cost would be? As the rest of the boat is in good condition I will need to decide whether it's still worth going for, or how much of a reduction to negotiate.

I've informed the surveyor and asked him to check thoroughly so we will see what he says.

Once again, thanks for the input.

[shrew]

The tank should only extend under the mid-cabin berth. It won't go past the bulkhead into the bilge space under the sole of the cabin.

[mmwjr]

Hi Chris, as shrew stated the fuel tank doesn't go past the bulkhead of the mid-berth. Typically the engines come out, the bulkhead behind the tank shown in the picture is cut away and the deck under the mid-berth is removed to access the tanks hold downs. The biggest cost is the tank and it you are paying someone to do the work I would double to triple that cost to cover the rest of the work.

[Chris Bruff]

Hi Mike/Shrew,

Thanks for the info. I'll see what the surveyor comes back with. As I say, it doesn't put me off completely but will depend on whether or not the current Owner will accept a significant reduction should the work be necessary in the near future. We will see and I shall keep you informed.

Many thanks,

[dennisrey]

Just received 2 estimates today to replace tank on 28ftscr $6900 and $8400 crazy

[mmwjr]

Originally Posted by dennisrey

Just received 2 estimates today to replace tank on 28ftscr $6900 and $8400 crazy

IMO there high but this is also a major job. Remove engine, remove bulkhead behind tank, remove midberth deck under mattress, dig out tank, reverse process.

[shrew]

The removal isn't the expensive part, it's replacing what was removed, re-tabbing anything that was cut apart and re-fiberglassing everything when done.

If this is a Bravo III then, depending on the year, you will want to consider doing the transom assembly while the engine is out.