Ever since we bounced on some rocks when our engine failed due to gunk in the fuel after dragging anchor at 2 in the morning, we make a practice of emptying the tank annually and putting in all fresh fuel, an inspecting every few years or so. It is probably worth emptying the tank and putting in an inspection port.

PS -- we usually close the hatches before running through Hell Gate, too.

--Karl

S/V Mabel Rose