Fiberglass fuel tank problem

jcooper · Post by **jcooper** » Sat Feb 11, 2006 10:44 am

I am 24 hours away from putting a deposit on a 33CFB and I am just starting to scratch the surface of the fuel tank issue. What do you guys on the site think about it......is a tank replacement a forgone conclusion?

franklyprice · Post by **franklyprice** » Sat Feb 11, 2006 11:14 am

There doesn't seam to be a firm conclusion on that subject yet. Some have said that tanks made after the mid eighties will be OK. Other info I've read would indicate that all fiberglass tanks will have some problems with the ethanol at some point. Also, the question remains as to how prevalent the ethanol will be in different ares of the country. If I was in the New York area and looking for a boat, I'd look for a diesel or if you have to have a gas powered one, look for a late eighties one. Chenging gas tanks doesn't appear to be a whole lot of fun. I would not say it's a forgon conclusoin by any means. Yet. Frank Price

photo finish · Post by **photo finish** » Sat Feb 11, 2006 11:45 am

John, is ethanol used alot in seatle?Is that where you are buying the boat?where has your boat been? I think you can test the tank to see if there is a problem and if there is no signs of breakdown...layoff the ethanol. As far as a rerplacement tank i do not think it would be that big of a deal in a FBC. The cockpit sole lifts up easily and exposes the entire tank.There are lift rings on the tank, it would just have to be cut loose.I have no idea what a new tank would cost. Tim Stamm Photo Finish 1981 33' Bertram FBC