---

Hi,
I have a 1988 Outrage 18. I have found that lifting the 3 circular floor holes reviels about 1/2++ of standing water on top of the gas tank. I have read that some water in the tank area is normal and this water is from rain as the boat had not been in the water all summer. A document that I read said the the tank area trains into the under floor sump system. Where is this drain because it would appear that mine is plugged. Other than this, the maiden run was lots of fun. With the 135 Optimax I got 47MPH on the GPS!

Right now the teak is getting re-finished, it was rough and will be finished with oil when I'm done.

Thanks,
Craig

---

The "Drain" is a notch in the fiberglass in the stern sump. This is also where the fuel line runs from the pickup, through the sump and up and out to your motor.

When storing your 18, leave the deck plates open to facilitate airflow in this area and encourage evaporation.

The problem is that the tank itself is recessed about 1/4 inch from flush with the fiberglass edges of the tank cavity - allowing a certain amount of water that can pool on top of the tank. This usually is not a problem and evaporates well....and should only collect there if you have swamped the sump to overflowing or if your deck plate seals are gone or your deck caulking is bad.

Fix those things if they are causing your problem.

Good luck.

Dave

---

Craig,
Take a look at the caulking around your deck. You are correct that water will sit on the tank, the majority of any water should run over the floor and into the sump. If you have that much water sitting on the tank, I bet it's running under the floor. It is a pain to remove the caulking, depending on what they used but remove the caulking around the deck and recaulk. I bet you find the majority of the water runs into your rear sump and out of the boat.

---

Was thinking of recaulking my deck, what's the best to use? (not sure what was used originally...)

---

Thanks for the replys,
I jacked the front of the boat up and water ran from the starboard hole for about 5 mins! I'm also re-doing the teak and had the gas filler cover plate off, where does that water go? It looks like floor water will just go under the filler plate (while plastic) and into the hull where the gas tubes go. There must be a full gutter under there because it makes no sense otherwise. Some caulking is not the best but I suspect the screw holes with spider cracks more.
Craig

---

Craig -

That last sentence is when I sucked air between my teeth. That does not sound good at all.

You have a few options, dependent on your whims, the condition of your boat, etc.

I suggest that you at least pull your caulking, re-caulk, then back out each deck screw, add some sealant and re-insert.

It sounds like you should clear your calendar this winter and consider a full inspection of the problem - removal of the deck and inspection of it's condition (and repair, as necessary)..and inspection of the tank cavity.

I'll e-mail you a photo of what your hull looks like underneath the deck..that should help you understand what is going on under there.

Dave

---

Derwd,
I use 3M 101 Polysulfide Marine Sealant, or Life Seal Sealant, that can be purchased at West Marine. The 3M is higher priced, but does a good job. When I purchased my 1989 22' Outrage, the dealer gave me two tubes of Starbrite cauking that was very close to the desert tan color. I'm not sure if that was the same product used by Whaler.

---

Thanks Jack!