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powdahbonz-

I too am a recent owner of an outrage (86 18ft) and had the same concerns about water in the fuel tank compartment. I know there is some water in there for a few reasons - one, there is condensation on the clear plate two, i can see water and saturated foam when i left the stern plates.

I too, thought this meant a quick end to my tank etc. I think the water must be getting in a few ways. First, the tank cover (the large fiberglass cover) is not well sealed. As well, the deck plates are not well sealed.

I have been thinking about taking the console off and the tank cover off and really drying the tank compartment out this winter.

However, I am beginning to wonder if ANYONE has a dry tank?!?! Even with all of the plates well sealed etc water can still get in under the console - where the wires come up from the tunnel.

I have looked at every Outrage i can find in every marina in the last few months and they ALL have condensation on the clear deck plate (which - i assume - means they all have water in that compartment).

I was having some glass work done in Portland (yes, the one just north of you) by one of 'the best' guys around and we were talking about tanks in Outrages. He claims he has never seen a dry one and cant figure out why some last 30 years and some 5 years. He says stop worrying and just drive the damn thing. (His language was actually a little rougher than that).

BTW - he also says the only dry whaler hull he has ever seen was sitting on a showroom floor. one season in the ocean and it is 'wet'.

So I guess my questions to everyone here are these:

One - does ANYONE have a dry tank compartment and how do you keep it that way.

Two - should we really care? I mean, so far my 'wet' tank has lasted 25 years. Not so bad.

Graham