1991 10.8 meter express -- fresh water tank

[CaptMike]

Anybody have same or similar...?

I believe I have a leak in my tank or the hose fittings. If it is the tank, can anybody tell me where the access is before I pull up carpet etc. I can see the fittings from the mid bilge access. Also, is it a built-in fiberglass tank or something I can replace?

If it is a built-in fiberglass, any good tricks for repairing possible leaks in the tank? thanks

[RWS]

Is this a midcabin 10.8 (2 side windows) or three?

2 fuel tanks or 1?

It makes a difference.

RWS

[CaptMike]

2 fuel tanks, 3 windows.

[BobCT]

I think I had a drip but changed the clamp proactively. It was almost completely gone after sitting in water for twenty years. If you stick your head into the bilge in front of the head, you can see it.

Tricky access, but can be changed w/o cutting anything.


Bob

[RWS]

If your layout looks like this (see photo attached) then your freshwater tank and waste tank are PROBABLY built into the center of the keel, between the stringers.

In that arrangement the FRESHWATER tank is located in the floor of the salon, under the floor storage compartment. The rear of that tank is the forward area of the forward bilge compartment.

If that is not your arrangement and based on the year of your hull, it may in fact be more like the midcabin arrangement which provides for an actual stand alone "tank". One of the mid cabin guys can certainly help you with this.

Most of the 10.8's are convertibles, I've never ebven seen a photo of a 10.8 express.

We'd all love to see some photos of your boat.

RWS
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[davescarrs]

At one time I couldn't figure out where water was coming in at and thought it was the freshwater tank (which is built in to the floor as RWS stated). After a lot of detective work I found the water was seeping in through the strut bracket backing inside the boat because it became a little loose. I hauled out the boat resealed the strut and the leak was gone. I have a 10 Meter International or called 330 Express

[CaptMike]

Thanks for the info. I will try and get some pictures up. I am pretty sure that the leak is the water tank or a hose fitting. The last test I can think of is putting food coloring in the water tank to follow the leak and be 100% positive.

[RWS]

The food coloring is a GREAT IDEA!

I have a small leak SOMEWHERE (at least I suspect I do as when she's in the water the fwd bilge pump will come on occasionally.

Running the A/C also creates water in that area so it's hard to tell where it is coming from. I have also suspected the fresh water tank.

That's the lowest part of the boat (I think) when she is sitting in the water.

I do believe al lthe bilges are connected via the keel. This runs centerline under the liner.

There is NO LINER in the fwd bilge area.

Is there any way to tell if water is salt or not without tasting it?

RWS

[CaptMike]

Ok so it is only two windows. My mistake. It is a new boat for me. I am in fresh water. IMG_0267.JPG IMG_0268.JPG. The leak is originating from under the mid bilge and there is a little water leaking from the fitting. I suspect a larger leak from the tank because when the fresh water tank is full there is more water in that hold over night. It just raises to the bilge pump. I have yet to do the food coloring. [/img]

[RWS]

The two windows indicates your build is based on the mid cabin series.

Your interior probably does not resemble the photo, and the boat was probably built sans liner construction.

Is the engine room bulkhead about even with the sliding hatch to the cabin with the engines mounted directly UNDER the helm seat or are they mounted farther aft?

Is there a cabin UNDER your cockpit floor?

This will tell us the basis of your hull.

RWS

[CaptMike]

There is an aft cabin under the helm with a long window/porthole that is essentially the step up in the cockpit. It is a 1991

[CaptMike]

Hey there, do you think my 454 crusader has points or electronic ignition for a 1991? Haven't checked yet.