Need help with gas tank issue

[gatordoc]

Hi everyone, I am a newbie, although been following the forum for some time. I am quite impressed with all the work that you all have been doing it is certainly helpful to someone like me learning from all the posts. Thanks a bunch.

My question is the following:

I am looking at a 20 SF '76 hull that appears to be in pretty good shape. I have two concerns: 1. How would I know if the gas tank is in good shape. If I had to replace the tank, do I need to remove the entire floor, or just the portion where the tank is at and repair? If anyone has pics of this process i would greatly appreciate it. 2. On another unrelated issue, I think the transom has been replaced in the past. It appears solid with no flexing when I stood on the lower unit of the outboard and jumped up and down on it. When I knocked on the transom most of it felt solid, however in a small area near the mounted depth sounder, the knock has a slight different feel (like there might be some delamination) this is really a small area, approximately 3-6 inches in diameter. Should I be concerned about this problem.

I know this is a used boat and I don't expect perfection, however, I would like to have a fair way to figure out what to pay for it. I don't want to pay for someone's problem at a premium (boat has an almost new engine on it).

Thanks in advance for your responses. I look forward to getting your feedback

Gatordoc

[SeaPlusPlus]

In order to remove the tank the console would have to be taken out, then the hatch over the gas tank can be removed to get access to the tank. Here's what it looks like on my 74' 20SF.

[Seacraft84]

My rule of thumb for a transom has been, put the boat in the water and tilt the motor up, maybe 50% not to much to wear it will blow out, and give it full throttle real quick. Maybe a couple times. The torque of the motor at that angle will make the trasom move if there is any play in it. It is hard to jump on one, unless it is real bad, and tell if it moves. Also take it in some chop and run it hard with the motor all the way down and see if it wiggles.

Chances are if the transom has been replaced and there is a small area around the existing transducer holes they are not as bad as you would think.

[dmese]

I don't think a little delam.. will hurt much, but if a small area it can always be fixed easily from the outside. I like to pull a through transom bolt and use a flashlight and screwdriver to see the condition of the material, just my two cents. P.S. "All I want to do is see the condition of the fuel tank" That's what I said the first time. Just finished my 3rd rebuild looking forward to the strip down and rebuild pics. Welcome!

[gatordoc]

Thanks for the photo...this was very helpful!