Bertram33 User Forum

Thanks Frank, that sounds like good advice , I put some questions on the 31 site and received very similiar respose from Capt Patrick and others, I am taking the boat out of the water tomorrow and having the tank removed , will have the top taken off to see what its really like thru the whole tank . Then make a further decision from there.Will let you know the out come. Regds Syd

Syd, if you are going to all the expense & time to remove the tank, & cut the top off, then you might as well be ready to order a new tank. Here is a foto of my tank with the top cut off. Bert built it in two steps with the baffles riveted in, then another glass layer over everything. It is not easy to take just the top off. Al [img]http://www.bertram33.com/images/uploads/cuttank.jpg[/img]

I've been thinking of getting a 75 gal ATL bladder for trips to Bimini. I figure 3 trips it almost pays for itself due to the price of Bahamian fuel. And they have no idea what they are pumping either. If you ask about Ethanol, you just get a blank look. Anybody see any used ones for sale? No small ones on eBay or craig's list. Gene Dugan Boca Raton, Fl. "Nauti Marie" 1989 33 FBC 2007 8.1 Crusaders

Hi Gene, Speaking about Bimini, I'd like to talk to you about a trip I've got coming up on the 25th. When you have a minute could you drop me an e-mail @ hardequityjoe@comcast.net. Thank you. Joe Tomaini 1988 Sportfish Attitude Adjustment II Fort Lauderdale, FL

Joe, check your mail Gene Dugan Boca Raton, Fl. "Nauti Marie" 1989 33 FBC 2007 8.1 Crusaders

For those of you who maybe interested I have finally completed my fuel tank repair and have added the following pictures. First have to say, Doug you were right no damage to the fibreglass. We found a whole lot of orange sluge which was easy to remove from the fibreglass part of the tank, however the aluminum baffles were coated like paint and needed to be scraped off with a sharp blade.The orange sluge seemed to stick more to all metal parts including the fuel pick up, guage and was extremly difficult to remove from and between the rivets holding the baffles inplace.We washed the whole tank down with acetone. We were able to do the whole job without removing the tank from the boat and only cutting the top off between the baffles, and glassing up at new top for the tank which was glued and screwed back onto the top. I think the pics tell the story as to the condition of the tank once if was all cleaned,and like new. I am certainly pleased not to have to replace the tank, and will look into having the sluge further tested as to what it is. Look forward to your feed back. Syd [img]http://www.bertram33.com/images/uploads/DSC00313.JPG[/img] [img]http://www.bertram33.com/images/uploads/DSC00310.JPG[/img] [img]http://www.bertram33.com/images/uploads/DSC00309.JPG[/img] [img]http://www.bertram33.com/images/uploads/DSC00294.JPG[/img] [img]http://www.bertram33.com/images/uploads/DSC00301.JPG[/img] [img]http://www.bertram33.com/images/uploads/DSC00286.JPG[/img] [img]http://www.bertram33.com/images/uploads/DSC00285.JPG[/img]

Syd, Glad it worked out.

Nice work Syd, Looks lie your tank has a few more years but you should keep an eye on it.If I had to guess I'd say that he orange sludge is old gas residue. Maybe mixed with diesel?

Nice work on all those cuts, thanks for the pics.