possible fuel locker leaks

[csm]

I currently have no known issue with leakage, but the thought of fuel leaking into the rear birth has crossed my mind. I would hope that Mcgregor paid special attention in designing around the fuel lockers, but some reassurance from the experts will put my mind at ease. Has anyone experienced or have knowledge of issues with fuel leaking from the locker to the cabin?
Thanks in advance,
Chris

[Matt19020]

I looked into that thoroughly when I got my M. It is quite simple... DRILL NO HOLES and you should have no leaks. I have not heard of any situations unless they were self inflicted.I secured my tanks using epoxied on blocks I was also concerned about fuel entering headliner. 7 years later still no issues.

[jbgibbs99]

On my X when hunting leaks I thought the seams of the lockers looked rough (at the bottom of the opening behind the lip) - I used a mirror to get a good look.

I cleaned it out and resealed with lots of 4200.

I also elongated the drain holes as they weren't all the way to the bottom and so water was lying.

[csm]

Jbgibbs99, I did the same thing a few years back and the seams are looking a bit funky again. I considered stripping out the old 4200 and resealing, but if no one has had an issue with leaks, I think I'll let it be.
Thanks
Chris

[Russ]

The design is pretty much fool proof. As mentioned, if you don't drill any holes through the fiberglass, it won't leak down into the cabin.

However, there was an X owner who had a catastrophic motor well drain failure cause multiple gallons of gasoline to end up in his bilge in the cabin.
http://www.macgregorsailors.com/forum/v ... =9&t=18495

I keep meaning to check my drain connections. This seems like a possible area of concern.

--Russ

[csm]

Thanks Russ, I was more concerned with leakage directly from the fuel locker, but accumulation and subsequent leakage in the engine well is probably much more likely and dangerous. I wonder at what point gonfishin's bilge pump went out. That could have disasterous had it kicked in to pump gas.
Thats what I love about the Mac and this forum. Just about anything that can or has happened with our boats; someone has valuable knowledge to share.
Thanks again
Chris

[Catigale]

That thread above is a good read about getting gallons of fuel in the bilge.

I think I would have gotten some solid absorber to get rid of the bulk, then diatomaceous earth for the residue, then soap and water.

Inspecting fuel lines from tank to the motor should be an annual event on these boats. Barbs, clamps fitting, the works. Carry spares when you cruise so you can fix any problem that goes wrong, on the spot. I carry a 1/4 1/4 male-male barb do if I get a hole in a line, I cut out hole and bridge the gap in 30 seconds.

Tanks should be removed and inspected for wear too. That's the time to Inspex the caulking around the edge of the fuel lockers and maintain.

I developed a pinhole leak on the top of a PE fuel tank (Tempo brand) from chafe. It was small enough to leak fuel, which evaporated instantly, keeping the cockpit smelling like gas. Horrible. Finally found it with nose.