What is the average life of aluminum fuel tanks installed in boats? From what I read it is 15-20 years with a lot of variables. Is this that common of a issue to deal with? I am pushing 16 years old with mine and are wondering if this is something inevitable that will have to be replaced. Have some people gone a lot longer, say 25-30 years without problems? Obviously fuel tank replacement will not be a fun job!

If they are never exposed to bilge water or salt spray they can last a lot longer than that. On performance boats a stress-free and chafe-free mounting can be important, too.

Mine lasted exacted 19. The fact that it often sat in bilge water did it in. I had a slow Bravo transom seal leaking for a few years that didn't help matters.

New transom unit, better draining around the new tank installation and a bone dry bilge so now it should be good for the rest of the life of the boat.

Sure was a pain in the rear to change.