Tim's Re-power

Gunny · Post by **Gunny** » Sat Oct 08, 2005 2:51 am

Easy rub rail removal tip! Do not try to drill screws out just take a grinder to each screw and cut the head off. The rail will come right off and the screws can be easily turned out with a pair of vise grips. Richard Kidd at Allied Bertram sells the replacement rail already bent for the stern corners and bow section, Be sure to buy the straight sections from him too as the TACO rail sold by marine stores is the same size the anodizing is a different color. Gunny

photo finish · Post by **photo finish** » Sat Oct 08, 2005 3:19 am

Great tip Gunny...what was the cost? Tim Stamm Photo Finish 1981 33' Bertram FBC

photo finish · Post by **photo finish** » Sat Oct 08, 2005 3:27 am

Frank, I am guessing that my deck had been up before.My fuel fill hose has a 1993 date on it .Is there a reccomended length of sevice on fuel lines?My line looks real good from the outside.I am surprised that it rests on the exhaust line,I would think that the heat would be a no no.Also I do not think that if the fuel fill hose needs to be replaced , the deck does not need to be pulled up. Tim Stamm Photo Finish 1981 33' Bertram FBC

Gunny · Post by **Gunny** » Sat Oct 08, 2005 4:31 am

Tim, On my 28 the parts were around 1100 Richard says the 33 will be about 250 more. The freight was a killer 300 to Maine. I cant give you a labor figure as i did some of the work and we regel coated the decks at the same time. I have told the yard to get ready to do the 33 and will try to get a breakdown of the hours. My Dr and wife have told me i do not get to help! Gunny

photo finish · Post by **photo finish** » Sat Oct 08, 2005 5:34 am

Listen to your doctor! so you grind all the bolts out on the outside and let the bolts fall inside the boat? Then do you reattatch the new rub rail with screws or rebolt? Tim Stamm Photo Finish 1981 33' Bertram FBC

franklyprice · Post by **franklyprice** » Sat Oct 08, 2005 8:04 am

Tim, The fuel hoses seem to dry rot on the outside before the inside does , so if it looks good, I'd be willing to give it a few more years and keep an eye on it. One thing to check for while the deck is off is to make sure the fuel hose doesn't have any low spots where the fuel can sit . If the last guy that replaced it left it a little too long, there might be a spot the fuel can puddle and that may rot the hose from the inside before it's time. If it's hitting the exhaust, it's not a real issue because the exhaust is fairly cool but it makes me wonder if they did indeed leave it a little too long. If it's cut to the right length , it will be a constant downhill run to the tank. I don't think you could replace the fill hose properly without remoing the deck. Frank Price

Post by **dougl33** » Sat Oct 08, 2005 9:37 am

If you're boat is a 1981 and the hose was replaced in 1993, then that means that it was 12 years old when replaced. This is 2005. Guess what, that's 12 years. I'd replace it now while you have the deck up as I'm sure you don't want to pull it up again in a year or 2. Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA

Gunny · Post by **Gunny** » Sun Oct 09, 2005 1:18 am

Tim, The bolts (machine screws) are mainly used where two pieces join and to attach bonding wires. The bulk of fasteners are screws. You can locate these by chasing down the wires which should also be replaced fill all screw holes with 5200 since you will be drilling a lot of new ones. The finished job is worth the effort!! Gunny

BECCA ROSE · Post by **BECCA ROSE** » Tue Oct 11, 2005 9:53 am

Change the fuel fill hose!! [:)] Bill Dunlop "Rebecca Rose" 1988 FBC Ipswich, Massachusetts

photo finish · Post by **photo finish** » Tue Oct 11, 2005 10:15 am

Bill, you have been talking to Doug....havnt you? Tim Stamm Photo Finish 1981 33' Bertram FBC

lobsta1 · Post by **lobsta1** » Tue Oct 11, 2005 10:45 pm

Tim, Of more concern than dry rot of the hose is alcohol permeability resistance. I believe since 1993 the USCG came out with stricter standards. So, I'll join the rest of the NE contingent & say change the hose. With all you have spent already, what's another $100? Al 1978 33 FBC NITES OFF

BECCA ROSE · Post by **BECCA ROSE** » Wed Oct 12, 2005 9:17 am

Tim, I remember seeing the fuel fill hose when Doug had his cockpit off. It just begs you to change it because it's so easy to access it at that time. Bill Dunlop "Rebecca Rose" 1988 FBC Ipswich, Massachusetts

photo finish · Post by **photo finish** » Thu Oct 13, 2005 5:38 am

Al said something that made me think .The 1993 standards of fuel hose! hence the date on my hose 1993.The other date i found was 1997.so i am assuming it is the new design.So i went to the marine store to look at the fuel hose there and yes it also had the 1993 code marking and the new hose that they had was also only dated 2003 not 2005.so there you have it. My hose at most is only 8 years old probably more like 6. Tim Stamm Photo Finish 1981 33' Bertram FBC

Capt. Ed · Post by **Capt. Ed** » Thu Oct 13, 2005 4:59 pm

Tim, For a $100 I would just change the hoses while the deck is up and not worry about, as it is such an easy task do it now (put new clamps on too!) "And that's all I have to say about that" 1979 Bertram 33' FBC ALEXANDRA Port Richey, Florida

franklyprice · Post by **franklyprice** » Fri Oct 14, 2005 2:36 am

Tim, This seems like a no brainer but I'll put in my two cents just to confuse the issue. The hose will probably last another ten years but if it does leak you fill the bilge instead of the gas tank.BOOM. That said, you can see the parts of the hose that are exposed to tell if it's getting cracked on the surface, so if you want to take the risk, it's not all that risky.Mine had a lot of surface cracking and still no leaks of fuel. On my last boat it was cracked and I thought I could get away with it for the season. BIG mistake. The first time I filled the boat, the bilge had about 10 gallons in it. That's scary. Do what makes you feel comfortable but remember what I said about no low spots. It's important because usually fuel fill hoses are made for TEMPORARY contact with fuel , not permanent. If the fuel has been puddling, all bets are off and you should change it for sure. Frank Price