Replacing Tanks

otf · Post by **otf** » Sat Oct 18, 2008 4:25 pm

I'm working on aquiring an 83 Convertible and I've seen a lot of information on replacing a tank on a 28, but little on the 33. Is there anyone here who has actually done this? Any pictures? Is it accessible under the cockpit via removing the screws and lifting the hatch, or is cutting of the deck required? I understand it is set in place, how hard was it to remove? Any tips? Thanks,

inspector · Post by **inspector** » Sun Oct 19, 2008 4:31 am

just remove the cockpit floor; its screwed in place and sealed with caulk. The tank is tabbed in place tabbed in place along the main bulkhead, the bulkhead just aft of the tank, and it's bedded on the bottom with various materials depending on what year etc. Easiest thing to do is cut it up with sawzall and take it out in pieces; there are many heavy gauge aluminum baffles riveted in place which complicates the cutting but no big deal.

IRGuy · Post by **IRGuy** » Sun Oct 19, 2008 5:23 am

otf... Welcome to out playground! Gas tank replacement has been a very active subject here and in the Bertram 31 forum as well.. use the search function in the upper right corner of this page to access the various comments that already been posted in this forum. This is a subject of some debate, so there should be a lot of reading for you. I am sure others will be commenting here as well. Some feel they have seen damage to the tanks they removed, some say their tank was fine. Some are being proactive and removed their tank to be safe, some are waiting. It is somewhat of a crap shoot at this time in the ethanol fiasco. Hopefully the federal government will wake up and rescind their ethanol mandate, but I suppose that will depend on who gets elected.. McCain has spoken out in favor of rescinding the ethanol requirements. Good luck in your efforts to buy one of the best production boats ever built.

otf · Post by **otf** » Sun Oct 19, 2008 5:00 pm

Thanks, the information in this forum is great. I have searched, and read plenty. I was just looking for a straightforward explanation to be sure there weren't any surprises I had missed, inspector that was perfect. The boat has 350's in it and sat for most of the year. It now has a valve hanging up, potentially a result of the tank degrading. A project for the winter it looks like.

TonyNJ · Post by **TonyNJ** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 8:12 am

OTF, I just replaced the fuel tank in my 1985 Sportfish. The cost for the tank was about $3400 and capacity was increased from 315 gal to 345 gal. Labor costs came to about $5200 which included new lines, fittings, etc. The tank is accessible by unscrewing the deck. The tank is glassed in and also bolted to the foward bulkhead. It is atached to the hull with a "putty" that makes "5200" look like elmers glue. While cutting the tank out would be easier, Prying it out allows you to take the tank to the fabricator so you don't have to worry about your measurements and fittng locations. Hope this helps, Tony PS..sent you a PM

Post by **dougl33** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 8:14 am

Tony, What kind of tank did you go with and who made it?

otf · Post by **otf** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 9:14 am

PM's I assume will arrive via email? Same question, what material did you go with? Fiberglass I assume by the cost. I have gotten estimates of much less with aluminum (yes there are pros and cons). It looks like I'm into the project now, so I'm sure there will be plenty more questions.

Post by **dougl33** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 10:07 am

OTF, You are correct, the PM's would come via email. Unfortunately, the system does not always work. Aluminum would be my last choice for a new tank.

lobsta1 · Post by **lobsta1** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 11:55 am

I would assume by the cost that Tony used aluminum. Two years ago when Rick & I did ours, AL. was more expensive than stainless steel. Fiberglass was in the $5000 range. Unfortunately, the vendor that did ours in SS is now making more money in the custom SS fabrication for the cruise ship industry. OTF, (is that what you want to be called?) If you do a search on lobsta1 or Rick Schaffer member names, you can find all the details including fotos of our tank installations. Look around Nov 2006 > April 2007. Al

Post by **dougl33** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 12:51 pm

quote:Originally posted by lobsta1 OTF, (is that what you want to be called?) Its better than WTF.

otf · Post by **otf** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 2:57 pm

ha, Off The Farm was the name of our last boat. My name is Scott, bu twhatever works!

otf · Post by **otf** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 3:14 pm

ok, I found the past threads, thanks!

TonyNJ · Post by **TonyNJ** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 7:00 pm

Yes, I went with an aluminum tank made by S.P. Sheet Metal Company, 2907 RT. 37E. Toms River, NJ 08753 732) 929-8666 ( www.sptanks.com ). The tank was installed by Fritz Brothers fiberglass who also did some glass work for me. As a side note, Fritz Brothers did a great job repairing some storm damage I had and Bill Fritz is the owner of a 31 Bert. Tony BTW, my boat is still for sale at the same price. $48,500

Rick · Post by **Rick** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 4:28 am

Tony, A quick couple of questions. Which dimension did you change to get the extra capcity ? Do you know how Fritz mounted the tank ? Would love to compare our boats some day....but it's too much gas ! Rick Ticket 85 SF Merc 454 MPI's Falmouth, MA

otf · Post by **otf** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 8:13 am

Tony, thanks for the info, I didn't get a PM and yes my email address is right. I'll keep them in mind for the tank. I want to get the old one out first.