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The boat lives at a family cottage in a boat house on fresh water. It is a 1986 GTX open bow I/O. We just acquired it this spring. Last Friday my brother in law filled the gas tank up and on the ride back found gas in the bilge, maybe a few cups worth. Mechanic came today and replaced the fuel gauge or a connection to the gauge (I didn't speak directly to mechanic). He said it was corroded and that was where the leak was that allowed the gas to leak out. Not sure if he checked gas line for softness or if it needed replacement.The gas tank remains full according to gauge.

Brother in law was concerned about gas in tank area and mechanic advised he could flush it by running a hose into that area. Brother in law used buckets instead. Poured in 5 gallon buckets through the opening where the clear plastic goes over fuel gauge and got out 4. Then he called(after he had poured in the water on mechanics say so) to let us know he's worried that it still smells of gas and is afraid to use boat. Mechanic doesn't seam at all concerned and says its fixed and fine to use. Mechanic has a good reputation but not sure how much he knows about whalers. Not many whalers in the NY finger lakes bigger than 11 or 13's.

Owner's manual for GTX says there is an outlet from gas tank area to bilge area and since gas and water went into the bilge that seems to be true, although it doesn't seem to drain all the liquid since there is a bucket worth of water missing. From my forum research it seems that the classic outrage gas tank area didn't have a drain to the bilge. GTX is an outrage hull and since it was only around a few years and not popular I haven't found much specific to the GTX I/O. GTX I/O has a much smaller gas tank than an Outrage though, so I think set up could be different.

I won't be back to cottage for 3 weeks and I want to reassure brother in law that he won't blow up if he starts the boat. He still smells gas. He is also a bit of an alarmist and new to motor boats. I don't know how bad the gas smell is and he's judging with the clear plastic cover over the fuel tank gauge removed. Also he hasn't turned on blower, if that matters.

Do I need to worry about the missing bucket of water? Do I need to worry about whether there is still gas in tank area or foam. Based on guess of amount in tank prior to fill up and number of gallons purchased we think the gas leak probably involved less than a gallon of gas but exact amount unknown due to no exact number of gallons remaining in tank at the time it was filled. Could my brother in law be right? If I was there I think I'd just trust the boat mechanic and start the boat.

I was all excited to work on this boat's restoration, which is mainly fiberglass stress cracks and new upholstery. It was repowered in 2008 and motor is in good condition per mechanic. I know little about motorboats, mostly I'm a sailor and have done plenty of fiberglass repairs. It is the foam that is causing me concern even though the owner's manual says it doesn't absorb gas I'm skeptical since it clearly can hold water. I'm hoping someone will confirm that I don't need to take the cover off the tank, rip out foam etc to make the boat safe again. This is what my brother in law thinks may need to be done before it can be used again.

I'm looking for some experienced motor boater advice. A tank rip out wasn't in my summer plans. Thanks in advance for any advice.