Carbon steel diesel tanks

Steel tanks are pretty old hat these days. I used to work on commercial fishing boats 30-odd years ago where they were being cut out. The job and price$$ is all down to location and access. Talk to a good yard, they'll tell you straight if it's worth doing.

They're fine until they're not fine. That goes for aluminum tanks too, better than steel but they don't last forever either. Typically, fiberglass diesel fuel tanks are best.

Most pre purchase surveys include a disclaimer regarding difficulty in determining the condition of the fuel tanks, regardless of materials, for the very access problems that you describe.

This is just one of many reasons that used boats can be bought for a fraction of the price of new.

16 year old steel tanks. Take the cost off replacement of the tanks, when you make your offer.
The boats were sold that way to keep them cheap. There is no high dollar in an used boat when purchased cheap with steel tanks when new.

Mind you, these are not commercial steel tanks either.

Don't feel bad making a low offer with this in mind. It's not a new issue and I have heard of enough nightmares.

I've sold many 30 plus year old Taiwan trawlers with the original mild steel, what some call black iron, fuel tanks that don't leak. Until they do, they don't.

All the crap they sometimes cover them with can contribute to their ultimate failure. I would remove it.

Steel is a good material don't be afraid of it, Get them audio gauged if you are worried about corrosion. I work on vessels that have steel tanks, hulls and some even have steel superstructures.

I have a 1942 Wheeler with it's original steel tanks. 2000 gallons total. Besides painting the outside, keeping water out of the fuel is the best way to make steel tanks last. I've been inside mine and found some deep pits in the bottom that I welded. Otherwise in good shape. The boat has Detroit mains that circulate lots of fuel and I suppose that and Racor helped keep the water out.

Doesn't take much? Surveying a boat not ready for sea trial is a big deal.

Judy

Sounds like despicable if not criminal behavior from the broker. If s/he is from Florida or California, then they are required to have a license which means you can file a complaint with the State. Won't heal your wounds, but might save someone else from being wounded. Bad brokers give everyone a bad name - help to hold them accountable.
:-(

In the history of things, when asked about black iron tank boats for purchased, I have offered the same advise as above (post #4). Within a few years, I have proved correct way over half of the time.

A few years ago, I was asked about a large DeFever. On inspection I advised the prospect buyer to walk. High price, no negations, rusting fuel tanks.
I was invited last fall to look at an other DeFever. Turned out to be the same boat that never sold, with glassed over tank skins.
The owner was so smart, he painted the glass job, and stained it with oil to make it match the old bilges.

Yep, that owner knows me, the boat will never sell around here.

Real boats & ships rated commercial or built with quality may not have these issues. K1W1 does not work on lil scrub boats, he deals with quality & commercial stuff.
Audio readings on a Chinese boat will only show to what you can access without tank removal.

I'm working on a Hat with an after factory cockpit extension, the after alloy tanks are sitting in a 1" bed full of water.
Having a problem with the owner that HE WILL have issues soon.

When it comes to fuel cells, quality tanks or a realistic understanding of what you have is important. The Chinese build a good cheap boat.
You must understand the business mode and resources when built; cheap.

CYA, bid low. If you don't have a problem, pass on the reality when you re-sell.