Leaking or ??? Lund Fuel Tank – Help

2006 Lund Fisherman 1700 bought new. For a while I’ve had the same as many with some trapped fuel vapors if compartments are not left open. Seems to be an issue with several years of Lund boats with a certain fuel tank.

Last two weeks noticed the smell of gas around the boat in the garage. Ignored it (wrong, I know). Added some fuel on the way to fish today and noticed the smell again… but was excited to get out. Driving the boat, anywhere in the boat… open the floor rod locker, and it was terrible. Like having an open bucket of fuel between your legs bad. Eventually loaded it to go home as I had the feeling I was driving a bomb waiting to explode.

Pulled the back plug in a ditch at home, and I drain about half a gallon out… I’d say mostly if not all fuel.

Anyone ever dig into the floor on this boat to know how accessible or such it is? I can’t find much on line but am willing to do what I can to get it right asap… I have no connection with any dealer near me either.

Should I remove the batteries and such…. outside where it is vented. Calling Lund and such tomorrow… but sure would like some advice from anyone with experience on this.

Any access holes to gas tank? Can’t imagine holes would develop in the tank, those plastic ones are pretty tough and thick. Might be easy fix of bad gasket around sender or pickup tube area. If you filled it then went fishing and problem was bad might mean issue is at top of tank.

If no holes now wouldn’t be to hard to cut a hole if you know where to find the tubes, then put in a flush mount access cover for future, cheaper solution.

Did you add anything to your boat that would puncture the tank or lines?

I pulled the floor out of a Crestliner in the ’80’s to get at the tank and filling hose. Battery powered drill/drivers just came out. What a relief!

Check all the tube fittings and connections. It doesn’t sound like it’s too big of a hole.
Might want to take a quick look at the underside of your boat as well although I would expect more water in your hull if that was the case.

Good Luck!

Chuck Melcher wrote:

Should I remove the batteries and such…. outside where it is vented. Calling Lund and such tomorrow… but sure would like some advice from anyone with experience on this.

VERY interested to hear what Lund may or may not advise in regards to dealing with leaking fuel issue. Can’t imagine their lawyers will let them advise you in how to proceed. I do expect they can/will tell you the layout and access options.

The fuel is less dangerous than the fumes. Yes do your work outside. Yes, carefully disconnect and remove all batteries, only AFTER opening and venting all compartments.

The fuel leak may be a loose hose clamp, a bad gasket or a cracked hose. Probably not the tank itself. Could be a puncture from a screw installed years ago. The screw may have been putting pressure on the tank all this time and finally poked completely thru.

An extra person with an extra fire extinguisher on hand is good insurance.