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After two years of very light use, the 12 gallon low profile/low permeation fuel tank began leaking. Gas odor had become steadily more noticeable and when checking the tank discovered paint beneath the tank was discolored and moist with fuel. Tank had never had more than 10 gallons in it and that amount following fueling at the beginning of each use. (West Marine catalog states that this tank has 13 gallon max capacity.) When returned to dry-stack, fuel in tank was always well below 10 gallons. Fuel connection and fuel line were intact and not comprised. Obviously a seam leak in the tank. Note that this tank expands when exposed to warmth of the sun, therefore there is a build-up of pressure. Removed the tank, emptied the contents into storage for use in farm implements. Discarded the empty tank.
The tanks are designed to vent when internal pressure exceeds a certain level. Depending on the storage attitude of your boat a small amount of fuel could have escaped through the tank vent and run down beneath the tank causing paint damage.
If a tank seam failed it is a dangerous tank fault. It would be a pretty good idea to notify the USCG and West Marine about the failure.
I should have mentioned that one of the first items I checked was the cap. I detected no leak around the cap. That cap, by the way, screws in several turns for an extraordinarily tight seal. As has been pointed out, that tank system works because of pressure. There was no evidence of any escaped fuel on top of the tank.
Local store was advised of the tank failure, as well as the catalog website.
By the way, I usually have good experiences with West Marine products. This is the first WM product problem I have had over years of ownership of sailboats, trawlers, and now, an outboard.
