Fuel Tank Replacement Question?

[Edgewater_245CC]

Hi, I have an 06 Edgewater 245CC. Last fall fuel was leaking from the tank into the bilge. A source was never found and it was determined to be a crack/pinhole in the tank. The manufacturer decided to not take the boat back and have a local shop replace the tank. I was under the impression the hull and top of the boat would be separated to access the Fuel Tank(150 gallon tank) for replacement. What I found out is they cut the entire deck up to access the tank. Was this the appropriate way of replacing the tank? My concern is getting the deck back together with no problems and the strength it originally had. I appreciate any feedback. Edgewater has not been very responsive when dealing with problems a brand new boat has been having. Thanks again for any feedback.

[Seacows]

Owning a boat building company we have delt with this problem only once. As it turned out the leak was from the gasket on the fuel sender. The difference was that we built in the servicablity of the tank so that the whole tank hatch could be removed with out damaging the structural intergrity of the deck. I think you may have a big problem if they cut your deck up. Depending on the core material in the deck you could have some serious problems. PM me and I can get indepth with you.

[exmtguide]

I had the same problem on an 18 foot Caravelle CC.
The gasket on the fuel level float unit went bad. but i could replace it from an access port in the deck.l

I contacted the Caravelle before I figured out the problem. Lets just say it was a horrible experience.

no help at all, in fact since they had stopped making the model they didn't even want to talk about it.

I hope they didn't tear up your deck and all it needed was a gasket.

[CarlL]

A fuel tank pinhole or crack, although possible, is rare. You have to be 100% certain thats the problem before you let them cut up the deck. This is not the kind of thing you do unless you KNOW its the problem. Are you certain its not...

fuel filler hose or connections on both ends
fuel vapor/breather line and connections
sending unit, gaskets, connections
wire connection to the fuel gauge
any other used/unused plugs in the tank

Has the tank been emptied and then pressure filled with dye substance to force and locate the leak?

[Seacows]

The very last resort is cutting molded parts especially with core material in it. This should only be done by the factory or under direct factory supervision. Most manufactures will require you to get the boat back to the factory on your own dime and then they will do the warranty work. I would get on the phone with a high level manager at Edgewater and tell them they need to make it right. Possibly a new Boat if yours is only at 2007.