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Kristin, congratulations on the 16 SL. I have admired them as the perfect small runabout that comes with Whaler flotation safety.

Regarding your fuel tank and draining the top of it. I have a 22' Revenge (1990) which had a similar issue when I pulled off the tank cover. While the configuration of the 16 is different than the 22, it is desirable that any water, which does get to the tank top, drains off. Otherwise you have a stagnant pool of water sitting on top of the tank. Fresh water probably won't do harm, but salt water would start eating into the aluminum tank top (and sides if the foam does not have a good seal/is adhered to the tank sides). Provided the tank is well foamed in place (or "stuffed" in your case), water will run off the tank and escape into a drain or the rigging tunnel you have on the starboard side.

You might be able to do what I did on my 22 to promote better drainage. Here is my photobucket link which has my pictures and explanation captions: http://s1282.photobucket.com/user/agr...amp;page=1 I hope the link works for you...let me know if it does not and I will troubleshoot.

The depth of your starboard rigging tunnel is not as deep as mine, but drilling a hole (one inch diameter or greater) even with the top of the aft stbd corner into the rigging tunnel could work. If you do so, you must seal the foam/fiberglass hole to prevent water intrusion into the foam of the hull. I used 3M 5200 liberally. My tank top now stays dry and any water does run off into the port or stbd tunnels. Also, while not using the boat, if you have inspection covers above the tank, you can pull these off to permit the area to ventilate and dry out.

Good Luck!

Al