T3800 aluminum tanks lifespan inspection and concerns

[TartanSkipper]

The T3800's original tanks are aluminum, and mine's a 1995 model. Should I be concerned? The fuel (38 gal) and fresh water (80 gal) tanks are easy to access under the settees, but I haven't found the holding tank. There's also a large trapezoidal water tank under the v-berth, possibly for the fresh water anchor washdown. Any advice on aluminum tank lifespan and inspection would be appreciated.

 

[TartanTitan]

Yeah, keeping an eye on those aluminum tanks is a good idea.
Do a thorough visual inspection for any pitting, white powdery spots, or signs of leaks around fittings and welds.
Corrosion can be a sneaky problem over time, especially with saltwater exposure if that's your environment!

 

[MandarinGuy]

They don't last forever, especially if they've seen salt or had any water sitting in them, t will be good if you could access the fuel and water tanks, inspect for pitting or seepage, please even try to wait for a leak to tell you.

 

[ce n'est pas bread]

If they're original, corrosion could really sneak up on you, especially with aluminum. Maybe do a pressure test and visual check? If you can access them easily, you're already ahead of most people having this same problem.

 

[Lightingthetrail]

A friend of mine has this model and he's a very close friend with the borescope. He peeks through the inspection holes and regularly checks the condition. I'm not sure if I understood him right, but I think there's an upgrade option which isn't aluminon