Repower/Tanks

Bishop · Post by **Bishop** » Tue Jul 31, 2007 6:48 am

Can anyone give me a reasonable estimate on what it would cost to replace the fuel tanks on a 1977 FBC? Also, how much does it cost to repower each 454 if and when necessary? By way of background, I live in Connecticut and am on the verge of purchasing a 1977 FBC. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Lastly, I have read through many of the previous threads, but cannot seem to find a specific answer to my question! Thank you, William

IRGuy · Post by **IRGuy** » Tue Jul 31, 2007 7:11 am

William... Hello again! Several guys here have replaced their fuel tanks, but since I have not had to do that I will let them tell you the details. There are several issues I was warned about when I was considering the purchase of my B33 FBC.. if you want to drop me a note at "IRGuy@aol.com" with your number we can talk. Frank B - IRGuy@aol.com "Phoenix" 1983 FBC Wilmington, NC

skyking · Post by **skyking** » Tue Jul 31, 2007 12:42 pm

Hi William, I'm in Ct. and have a 1982 33FBC. A fuel tank replacement is in my future as well....keep me posted on your purchase. Crusader 496cid/385hp engines run about 13K each plus instalation costs. A marina in Branford gave me an estimate of about 10 g's to replace the gas tank....oh and don't forget the $11 a gal. to remove and dispose of the old fuel. Hope this helps.... Ken AIM: skyking4ever + 3 hrs. EST

Post by **dougl33** » Tue Jul 31, 2007 1:11 pm

I think $10K to replace the tank is too much money. At most, the tank itself should run $3K. There's no way there's $7K in misc parts and labor. Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... sabeth.jpg[/img]

Capt. Ed · Post by **Capt. Ed** » Tue Jul 31, 2007 4:17 pm

You can get a fiberglass tank redone for $3K, someone is in your pocket for the other $7K.

lobsta1 · Post by **lobsta1** » Tue Jul 31, 2007 6:34 pm

The figures I saw on the fiberglass tanks were 5 > 7 grand plus shipping. Stainless is now over $3000. In this area, aluminum was more expensive than the stainless. On a 1977, the aft bulkhead under the deck will have to be cut out & then reglassed in. At boat yard prices I could easily see another $3000 for labor. On the B31 board Raybo Marine did a rebuild of a B33 tank. Very, very labor intensive. They stated it cost more than putting in a new tank. After dissecting my old tank & seeing what would be involved in a PROPER rebuild, I believe them. Al

skyking · Post by **skyking** » Wed Aug 01, 2007 1:12 pm

Hi Guys, Ed... in Florida things might be a bit cheaper... but finding good work is almost impossible. There is a guy in Branford redoing his tank on a 77(approx) 35FBC and its some huge job. Doug.... it might not be worth 6 g's in labor, but is still some huge job. When you say you can get a fg tank "redone" do you mean repaired or a whole new tank ??? And whats the deal is SS for gas tanks OK or not ???? I keep hearing conflicting stories !!!! Thanks again Guys....Ken AIM: skyking4ever + 3 hrs. EST

Post by **dougl33** » Wed Aug 01, 2007 1:22 pm

Ken, I think you're confusing me with Al, but what he was referring to is someone decided to open up their tank and have it re-coated with an ethanol friendly material. Once all the work was completed it was probably not worth the time, effort, or money. Get a new tank made out of either stainless or fiberglass. Stainless is fine. Just make sure you use the same guy that Al and Rick used. Its definately a better option than aluminum. Having watched both Al and Rick re-place their tanks this past winter, I would not say that its a "huge" job. Certainly its beyond my skills to do, but $10K is an obscence amount. The old tanks came out with out much difficulty and the new tanks went in fairly easily. I would think a good yard (with 2-3 guys working) could complete the job within 3-4 8 hour days. Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... sabeth.jpg[/img]

Bishop · Post by **Bishop** » Thu Aug 02, 2007 9:21 am

I would like to thank everyone for their responses. I am having the boat surveyed this upcoming Monday, so I will surely have more questions--post survey. I am curious what the surveyor will have to say about the tank issue... William

Post by **dougl33** » Thu Aug 02, 2007 10:37 am

William, I'm sure he'll tell you the sky is falling and he'll quote something from one of the numerous Boat Useless articles. If he does, try and nail him down to specifics. I.E. Has he personally seen a tank fail? If so, what year and model was the boat. Most likely he won't know, but he'll still tell you that all Bertram fiberglass tanks are screwed none-the-less. Do yourself a favor and read this thread to educate yourself: http://www.bertram33.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=448 Also, see if you can find out what steps (if any) the previous owner took. Is this the boat you're looking at: http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listing/ ... 55049&url= Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... sabeth.jpg[/img]

Bishop · Post by **Bishop** » Fri Aug 03, 2007 7:18 am

Doug, Thank you for the links. I had already read the posts here, but I was, quite honestly, just as confused as most people trying to make sense of all the information out there! The boat I am looking at in not the one listed on yacthworld, although she looks sweet to me. ALso, Frank, I appreciate the offer, and will most likely send you an email after the survey, assuming all goes well, to hear what you have to say. I am still shocked at how helpful and knowledgeable everyone is here. What a great resource. Viva La Bertram owners.

paulod · Post by **paulod** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 8:00 am

Can anyone provide contact information (name/phone number)on suppliers for a replacement fuel tank for a 78FBC

Mike T · Post by **Mike T** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 9:14 am

Aluminum or fiberglass? I sent out some quotes for aluminum tanks recently. These guys in Florida had good prices w/free shipping. john@custommarinefueltanks.com

Post by **dougl33** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 9:19 am

I would go with either stainless or fiberglass. Aluminum would be my last choice. Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... sabeth.jpg[/img]

lobsta1 · Post by **lobsta1** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 12:16 pm

Mike, if a B35 tank is mounted similiarly to the B33, aluminum is the last material I would consider. Yes, you can close off the bottom of the tank compartment & leave a drain there to get the inevitable water out. Thing is, is that you KNOW salt water will get in there. Even after evaporation or draining, the salt crystals are still on the aluminum. They will absorb moisture & with anything other than a perfect installation, I believe corrosion will be the result. Just do a search on here on everyone that has had to replace the aluminum water tanks that have corroded through. Just my $.03 worth of opinion. Al