Access to Beneteau 351 aft water tank

[Jknott]

I’ve got a 1997 Beneteau Oceania 351. I think the aft tank is leaking into the bilge. So I drained the tank and would like to inspect. Does anyone know how to get to it?

[Beau Jacques]

Hi - I have a 1995 Oceanis 351 too - and indeed the rear ( and front ) tank leaked - but not through the bottom.

In both cases the removable top was no longer 100% sealed on, and water came out through the screw fixing holes ( amongst other small gaps). I was able to fix the problem by removing the wooden cover under the cabin beds, then using sealant in and around where it leaked.

Related to this - the inside of the front tank can be physically cleaned by a cloth etc, however the rear one is not so easy - since there is a board half way to slow down the water moving around - which limits physical cleaning. Ideally I would fit a second tank opening hatch / port in the rear of the rear tank ( plus modifying the wooden cover) - but that said I just use prokleen tank cleaner - and that is pretty good - and much lower risk / work

I can provide more details and even photos if you wish

Cheers

[Jknott]

Thanks Beau. I had no problem getting to the tank in the bow. How do you access the aft tank. Pictures of how you got access to the aft tank would be great.

[Beau Jacques]

Hi - this photo should help. It is the rear tank - which I can access from the port side rear cabin ( we have 2 rear cabins in my 351 )

I can also share photos of inside the rear tank ( pics and videos available)



BTW I am new to this site - so uploading may not be 100%

Let me know your thoughts

Cheers

[Beau Jacques]

The photo also shows how I removed all the screws, then put in sealant before rescrewing them - and I also paid more attention to those that had leaked ( around 6 I think )

[Jknott]

Thanks Beau. My aft cabin is on the Starboard side.��

[Beau Jacques]

hi

here in the UK that is odd ( are you in the US ??) - though a 352 seems to have a single stb side rear cabin ( https://imsyachts.com/boats/1998-ben...uck/2790463/3/ )


Indeed, looking at the photo of a 352 it seems the deep cockpit locker has a removable base to presumably reveal the water tank beneath it.

My guess remains that the tank has a screw on lid across its top - but I'm afraid I can't add any more info

best wishes

Beau

[Jknott]

Thanks Beau. I'll take a look at the bottom of the locker and see if there are screws in the bottom.

[Jknott]

Dear Beau,

I found the water tank under a cabinet in the galley. I removed my pots and pans and saw that there was a removable board on the bottom of the cabinet. Just wished Beneteau would include these kinds of details in their owners manuals.

Kind regards,

Jim N.