Leaking Water Tanks

[RainDog]

When I bought my PS34 it was clear the front tanks needed to have the lids replaced. They where the original plywood lids, clearly leaking and water damaged. Being 20 years old, this seemed reasonable.

The aft water tank had already had the lid replaced with a PVC lid. Now it appears that lid is leaking too. It is possible the install was botched, but I am starting to wonder if the design of these tanks is flawed.

Searching this forum I find little information about this. Is the design bad? Do they just need the gasket replaced every 5 years? Have other people had this problem? If so what is the recommended solution?

My impulse would be to pull the lid, remove all the old silicone, sand lightly, and then put down a new silicone gasket before screwing the lid back down.

Appreciate any advice.

[wmjr]

Rain,

I have a 1988 31 with the original plywood covers. So far, no leaks. However, I have still not figured out a way to open them up to look at the conditions inside.

Still, the water seems OK, usually. I try to use them often enough to keep getting new water going through.

John
Watermark
PSC 31 #28

[JohnRPollard]

Our 19 year old 31 has the pvc lids. They don't and haven't leaked (knock on wood). We have two inspection ports per tank, through which I can access the interior surfaces. I think it's a pretty good design -- on the 31 at least.

[JDiVito]

I replaced the covers on my 1985, 34 using "Starboard". I first sealed them using silicone and they leaked. When I removed the covers again, it seemed like the silicone was not sticking well so I removed it all and cleaned it. I resealed them using a polysulfide caulking commonly used for windows. (I think it was a Sika product I bought from Jamestown Distributors.) It worked beautifully! No Leaks!
Good Luck!

John DiVito
Dreamer
PSC 34 #36

[stevemac00]

This is covered a few times in the archives. Replace the plywood with Starboard or PVC. Be sure to use water approved sealant. Here's the instructions from PSC. - Correction. I can't upload. It's here:
Picasa Web Albums - Stephen - Talisman

[Lansdowne]

One other issue we have found on Crealock 34's water tanks; having our boat in charter for 10 year's, the charter folk's would be in a hurry to fill the tanks, lot's of pressure, on full. If you fill too fast, with too much water pressure, or if you vent is blocked, something has to give. Often, the water will gush out the plywood cover seal, or more likley, the screw holes. Replacing the cover and resealing the screws will help, but can be blown again by overpressure.