Hi guys. You might recall several weeks ago I posted about gas smell I was getting in the rear compartment and rod lockers after putting 15 gallons of gas in the boat (link to original post here: http://www.bbcboards.net/showthread.php?t=827323). Well, soon after that post, Phoenix is calling me and I'm talking to Jeff Hartung. Apparently someone at the plant saw the post and alerted Jeff. They looked up my name from my post signature and found my number in their records. I was surprised to get the call.
I didn't have a chance at that point to remove the floor panels to take a look at the tank (even went fishing a few times since I first detected a problem), but Jeff told me what to do and look for. He also said that sometimes the aluminum tanks can crack. So, once I did get to checking for the problem, that's apparently what it looks like happened. Hoses and connections all seemed fine. Problem seems to be under the driver's seat. There was fresh gas residue trickling down the very front (short) wall of the tank. Looked like it was coming from the weld. I didn't see a crack nor feel anything rough that would indicate one, but perhaps it was a hairline crack that I couldn't see. What's more, most of the screws that anchor the back of the tank to the rear wall of the compartment had pulled out (some were wedged between the tank and rear wall). I figure that happened simply from travel vibration and/or chop. I think because the tank was "loose," it was probably bouncing a bit and maybe that's what caused a small crack. And/or maybe one of the wedged screws formed a small hole. That I couldn't determine for sure because of the small space in between... made it difficult to see down under them.
Tim Trockenbrot took over the case after I talked with Jeff and he asked me to take some pictures and email them to him, which I did. Next thing I know, Tim calls to say they're having a new tank built for me and it will be sent to my local dealer. The boat is already at Last Chance Performance Marine in Hemet, California (I have an oil leak in the motor that I figure they can work on while they wait for the tank). At this point, it'll probably be another week or so until they get the new tank, but I am writing this update to say I'm absolutely amazed by this level of customer service by Phoenix. I would never have expected that from a boat company (or any other company, for that matter). The fact that they were proactive, and got on this for me very quickly is just class. I can't thank Jeff and Tim enough. Phoenix for life!