Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Deck Caulk

Posted by newt on 06/11/11 - 8:52 AM
#23

Blackduck, allow me to explain my reasoning that you disagree with. I've owned two Whalers with below deck gas tanks. On both boats, the tank cavity was wet, regardless of the condition the caulking is in. The main entry point for water in both cases was the hole in the deck where the fuel fill line is. Every time water flows on the deck, water gets into the tank cavity. On the 25 Revenge, if the rigging tunnels fill up high enough, water flows right into the tank cavity. In fact, on the 25 Revenge, most of the seams in the deck are over the rigging tunnels. I've actually found that with the caulking removed, water on the deck drains much faster into the rigging tunnels and to the sump pump.

I find it hard to believe that Whaler intended the tank cavity to be dry, because the boats simply aren't designed that way. Perhaps your 18' Outrage is different. I have never owned one, so cannot comment on their design.