Aux fuel tank
Aux fuel tank
Hey guys, I was just looking at the space under the sleeping quarters for an aux fuel tank. I was told when I bought the boat that one could be put in but from what I see, the fiberglass has to be cut out to get one in! The access hole is only maybe 2ft by 2ft. Sorry for the bad description but I'm sure you guys know what I'm referring to. My question is, has any one put a fuel tank in that space and maybe has knowledge of what it would take? How big of a tank could I get in there anyway? Thanks a lot, Justin.
Justin Fortin 1977 33' FBC Norfolk, VA "Susie Q"
I don't know if any one has tried that or not. Some of the guys here will know how it would work. Depending on the size of the tank I think it really upset the balance of the boat. You could really create a handling problem by doing that especially in a following sea.
Capt. Jeff Bert 33 FBC Cummins 6BTA's Sarasota, FL Now and Then
That is a handy article that I have actually referenced before but I was referring to the space below the sleeping quarters. There is a lift up hatch that I was told can be used for extra fuel but I was just wondering how to get a tank in there. It is the farthest storage compartment in the bow under the cushions. Sorry for the confusion.
Justin Fortin 1977 33' FBC Norfolk, VA "Susie Q"
I would also be a bit concerned about the structure. Bertram gets its strenth from the way it is built, not how thick the walls are. The 33 is pretty thin skinned in the bow section. Support is all in the design, and I bet never designed for any real weight forward. I also agree that it would throw the whole profile of the way the boat handles off balance, by adding that much weight. IMHO Gene Dugan Boca Raton, Fl. "Nauti Marie" 1989 33 FBC
Gene Dugan Boca Raton, Fl. "Nauti Marie" 1989 33 FBC 2007 8.1 Crusaders SOLD 2000 Pursuit 2870 Offshore Twin 2016 Suzuki 200s
My two cents; I'don't like the idea of fuel tanks too far forward of the center of gravity (engines or aft, especially with gasoline. Fuel tanks need to be much more carefully designed because of the greater g forces the farther forward you go. And I agree that the handling gets squirly when you have much weight forward. If you do need the tank up front, make sure you always have the aft tank full while you use the forward fuel first.
quote:Originally posted by dougl33 Check out the article in the owners tips section in the tree on the left. I think it has just what you're looking for. Regards, Doug L. Doug, David, I think a note should be added that this tip is absolutely NOT Coast Guard approved for gas engines. Al
1978 33 FBC NITES OFF
Caveat emptor! Let the buyer beware. Yacht brokers are like car salesmen! A few are really good, and will give you honest answers. Especially when they think you might represent future business. But while cars are usually bought locally, boats are bought on a much larger geographical basis.. and what is the chance that a broker will see a buyer again when he is from several hundred miles away? So.. brokers aren't looking out for the buyer in any way, shape or form. They represent the SELLER! (who is usually local and may represent future business to them). When I bought "Phoenix" I found the broker to be upfront on several issues.. he knew the condition of the boat and was straight with me on that.. but I could see that for myself. He told me that the owner had been trying to sell her for a couple of years and he was ready to deal, but I think that was a sign of his frustration in having showed her to quite a few potential buyers and not having any offers. Where he was dead wrong was in advertising the boat had an electronics package (it did, but none of them worked!), and he did not tell me the Lectrasan head was broken, the fresh water tank had been removed, the autohelm was broken and disconnected, the trim tabs did not work.. etc. The sea trial showed all these issues.. and I used the info I personally learned to negotiate a better price. He didn't apply any pressure to me, and he admitted to me he was himself frustrated by having the boat listed for so long. So, when all was done I knew pretty much what I was buying, but not because of the broker. In the long run you have to accept the fact that the broker is not your friend, you should hire a good surveyor, and you should climb all over the boat yourself and ask the owner directly any questions you have. Sure.. the broker can tell you.. "just stick an auxiliary fuel tank under the forepeak berths.. no problem".. but it is your job to check things like this out for yourself! How about alterations to the boat's handling? How about the gasoline smell in the forepeak? How about the fact that you have built a potential bomb in the forepeak, within two feet of where someone will be sleeping? How about your insurance company voiding your policy because you performed a major homemade alteration to a gasoline system without getting qualified advice? The questions go on and on.. but the broker looks at you as a money source, not as a friend! Caveat emptor!
Frank B - IRGuy@aol.com "Phoenix" 1983 FBC Cummins 6Bs - 315HP Wilmington, NC
IRGuy, The first time I saw the broker that I bought my bertram from, I knew he was squirrely. He did give me 5,000 off because he said the fiberglass tank would have to be replaced. I'm glad I know it wouldn't cost that much! I should have figured that not much he said was true. Thanks for all the input guys.
Justin Fortin 1977 33' FBC Norfolk, VA "Susie Q"
With apologies to any salesmen here.... I've found that the best policy is to assume ANYTHING that ANY salesmen tells you is at worst an outright lie, and at best an inaccuracy bourne of ignorance - and you will be correct more often than if you assume the opposite. Don't belive a single word they say without checking first!
"Island Time" 1987 Bertram 33 SF 3208T Cats
