Todays assignment was to Survey this Ideal 40. Designed at the end of the 1970's as an extension to the Lancer 35 powerboat. At 40ft x 10ft 9in it was mostly fitted in one of two layouts. Both feature a master double cabin aft with en-suite, settee/double and galley in the light & spacious central stateroom and accommodation forward with either two or four berths. At the point of introduction these were amongst the sleekest of inland cruiser designs, the 6 berth model featuring darkened glass.
Surveyors Comments:
Welded edges on metal fuel tanks are susceptible to crevice corrosion. Threaded and welded fittings for draw and fill lines are other trouble spots. Unfortunately, a metal fuel tank’s weakest link is the underside and outboard side, which are difficult and in some cases impossible to see. Another troublesome situation is when a metal fuel tank is encased in foam. The idea is the foam will help anchor the tank in place and insulate it from moisture. In reality, the opposite is true and over time vibration and movement cause the foam to separate from the metal. The expansion serves as a gateway for moisture to wick its way between the foam and the tank where it often is trapped. Bottom line is that if your boat is more than 10 years old and the fuel tank is constructed from mild steel, you need to take a long hard look at its condition.......
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| That sharp stem head is vulnerable… this one has had an argument with the quay heading! |
Welded edges on metal fuel tanks are susceptible to crevice corrosion. Threaded and welded fittings for draw and fill lines are other trouble spots. Unfortunately, a metal fuel tank’s weakest link is the underside and outboard side, which are difficult and in some cases impossible to see. Another troublesome situation is when a metal fuel tank is encased in foam. The idea is the foam will help anchor the tank in place and insulate it from moisture. In reality, the opposite is true and over time vibration and movement cause the foam to separate from the metal. The expansion serves as a gateway for moisture to wick its way between the foam and the tank where it often is trapped. Bottom line is that if your boat is more than 10 years old and the fuel tank is constructed from mild steel, you need to take a long hard look at its condition.......
