Bertram33 User Forum

Gerard, The only thing anyone knows for certain is that some older bertrams have had problems.So far as far as I know no 33's have had tank problems. Lee Dana has gone on record stating that all bertram tanks will have problems sooner or later because they were never made to withstand any ethanol in the gas. I convinced Ashland Chemical to do a test of the later resin used in the mid eigties , since none had ever been done. The only requirement of the resins were to be flame retardant. Rick and Al are being cautious and changing their tanks before they have problems. Hopefully we all will make it through the ethanol years before we have problems but so far, so good. As far as that elusive cut-off date for "safe tnaks" , there is none. It could be as early as '83 that they went to the other resin or it could be '86. Whatever the date , it still means the same thing so far. I think the key here so far is to not let the ehtanol phase separate from the gas from too much water in the tank. However, all that said, if I had to sell my boat now, I'd be putting a new tank in it so any potential buyer would not have any thing to point out as a potentialproblem. Otherwise, I'm going to see if she holds up.

Changed all 4 (2 per side) water/fuel separators today after a full summer of ethanol. Went through over 900 gallons of ethanol laced gas, poured out contents of all filters. Found nothing. No water in gas either. Yahoo... Bill 33 FBC Ipswich, Ma. [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... a_Rose.jpg[/img]

That's good news. Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... sabeth.jpg[/img]

Awesome Bill!

I think many of us are going to find the same good news! 1979 Bertram 33' FBC ALEXANDRA Port Richey, Florida [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... xandra.jpg[/img] HAVE YOU SIGNED UP FOR BERTRAM PRIDE '06 yet? DO IT NOW... SPACE IS LIMITED!

Well I called Danny at high tide and they won't make any more fiberglass tanks unless they have at least 3 or more to build. I asked him to build me a 315gal he said the fiberglass folks won't unless they get more orders. I was going to send my tank to him oh well. Looks like I am going to go with either aluminum or Stainless Steel. I will hold on to the tank incase anyone else is interested in getting some made with me.

Keith, High Tide is not a fiberglass shop they only broker out the job if i am not mistraken . I am sure there are plenty of fiberglass shops that would be happy to help you . Especially if you are willing to give them your tank for a mold. Maybe Ed can chime in about his friend Kevin that may want to make a mold?

Good point Tim. If people do some research and find a guy that can do the work correctly, it would be a huge savings. No offense to Danny but like you said, he will sub it. Bill 33 FBC Ipswich, Ma. [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... a_Rose.jpg[/img]

Yes, I meant no offense to High tide because he is a huge resource for our boats for many things.

I couldn't find any place that would do the job, so if you know of one let me know and i will investigate.

Keith, I have Rick's old 315 gal. tank and may make or have someone make a mould from it sometime during the winter. I guess the first thing I have to do is to cut the top off and see just how complicated it is. I have a pretty good idea how it's built so am not expecting it to be too bad.

Frank, Are you suggesting that you are considering making the tank yourself?

Tim, I know a local boatbuilder who has expressed interest in making some tanks but in the interest of keeping the price down and some control over how often they get made, I may decide to make them myself. Could be fun.Actually Bill Dunlop has expressed interest in helping out also.First I have to see how my winter schedule is going.

That a boy Frank!

I need a project for the winter, lets go Frank! Bill 33 FBC Ipswich, Ma. [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... a_Rose.jpg[/img]