1977 bertram 33' fuel tank replacement

Justinf89 · Post by **Justinf89** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 2:39 pm

I am buying a 1977 Bertram 33' convertible w/ a fiberglass tank. Well, it has to be replaced. Does anybody know the dimensions of the fuel tank or even somewhere to get a cheap replacement? I called Bertram and they have no idea oddly enough. Thanks in advance, Justin. Justin

schultz · Post by **schultz** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 6:05 pm

Justin, You might want to do an archive search on this site for this topic. Quite a bit has been discused and as with anything to do with a redo project one size does not fit all. However you will find photo's, drawings, dimensions, idea's and options to consider but you will in the end get to be as Bush (W) would say be The Decider. Cliff Schultz 1983 33SF "Final Approach"

Post by **dougl33** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 6:35 am

Justin, Welcome aboard. Take a look at these threads: http://www.bertram33.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=885 http://www.bertram33.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=448 Don't be so sure the tank needs replacing. Despite what you'll read and hear elsewhere its not necessarily the case. Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... sabeth.jpg[/img]

BECCA ROSE · Post by **BECCA ROSE** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 11:23 am

Welcome aboard Justin, read the threads and tell us what you think you might do. The good news is you'll get lots of good info here, you are not alone! Bill 1988 33 FBC Ipswich, Ma. > ~------- [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... a_Rose.jpg[/img]

lobsta1 · Post by **lobsta1** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 4:30 pm

Justin, Welcome. Here is a pic of my 1978 tank on it's side. The fwd section which goes against the engine room bulkhead is facing up. You can see the pockets & angled cutback for clearance from the engine wye exhaust. Al [IMG]http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d97/l ... ldtank.jpg[/IMG]

buzzk · Post by **buzzk** » Sat Dec 08, 2007 7:03 am

Did you cut open the fuel tank and if so what was the condition? Thanks Buzz buzzk 1988 Bertram 33 BC Buzz Off Morthead City, NC

lobsta1 · Post by **lobsta1** » Sat Dec 08, 2007 7:16 am

Buzz, Look at this thread. Al http://www.bertram33.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=940

khybskid · Post by **khybskid** » Sat Dec 08, 2007 3:34 pm

On this line of thought, are they making new f/g tanks w/o rivets because that seems like one of the deterioration problems. Especialy on al's tank.

Capt. Ed · Post by **Capt. Ed** » Sat Dec 08, 2007 7:45 pm

Welcome aboard Justin, Read up on it here before you cut into it.

Justinf89 · Post by **Justinf89** » Sun Dec 09, 2007 4:28 pm

Thanks for all the help guys. I've read so many things in so many places my heads spinning. The mechanic at the marina says that he has a '76 bertram 26 w/ a fiberglass tank and he's had the ethanol fuel in it for over a year now w/ no problems. He said that good racors should do the job and the motors mainly messed up are the fuel injected ones. On the other hand, I have read that the resin in the fiberglass tanks goes right through the filters and gunks up the motors. He also said that you cannot get an uscg approved s.s. tank thats not symmetrical, it would have to be aluminum. I have also read that the ethanol etches the aluminum tanks. I have no idea what to do but this site is great. My 454 crusaders have 750 hours on them each from 1995 so I think I'm just going to try my luck with some good filters until I decide to haul the boat out and paint/wax it. Although, lobsta1, do you have the dimensions? I don't even know how many gallons it holds. Thanks again for all the help, this site is unbelievable. Justin

Justinf89 · Post by **Justinf89** » Sun Dec 09, 2007 4:33 pm

On the other hand, It really needs to be replaced. Does anybody have the dimensions so I don't lose my boat for a month taking it out and measuring it myself. The other option was to ship the tank to the coveted NJ tank shop. Sorry for the double post. Justin

Post by **dougl33** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 7:30 am

Justin, You're mechanic is incorrect about stainless tanks. Check out Al's thread. Its the best option if you want/need to replace the tank. Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... sabeth.jpg[/img]