Bertram33 User Forum

Going to Winterize sometime in the next two weeks and with all this ethanol chatter --I need some help. I have always left the tank full (with stabilizer)I assume I should do the same or is there any benefit to leaving it empty? Any input would be appreciated.

Robert, The benefit to leaving it completely empty is being fairly sure that Ethanol won't degrade your tank. If you leave it full, then you run the risk of phase separation. But honestly, we've heard so many contradicting stories, no one knows for sure. Rick Ticket 85 SF Falmouth, MA

Robert, As Rick says , the fear of phase separation is something , probably the worst thing to worry about but also in my mind is the question of just how long the fiberglass resin in our tanks can be in contact with ethanol and not suffer some degredation. It would seem that if indeed the tanks can withstand some exposure to ehtanol, a drying out period can't be a bad thing.

If I were laying up for the winter, I would do it without fuel in my tanks.

Everyone still thinking the same thing here ? Leave the tank empty for the winter ? Al and I spoke for a few on the subject and I'm curious what others have been hearing. Aside from the tank issue, I don't think Ethanol will keep very well over 6 months so a fresh tank of gas on the Spring has got to be a good thing. Rick Ticket 85 SF Falmouth, MA

Empty is what I did when I had the 454's. It wasnt to bad siphoning out 60-70 gallons right out of the sender hole on top of the tank. Just had everyone drive by the boat and filled up there gas tanks in their cars. I wasnt worried about the tank falling apart, just about the fuel going bad over the long winter. No one has an answer on how to treat ethanol fuel for long periods of time. Bill 1988 33 FBC Ipswich, Ma. > ~------- [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... a_Rose.jpg[/img]

I know that I've been using gas from the same container for my lawn mower for the last 13 months and it always starts on one pull. Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... sabeth.jpg[/img]

I came out of the water today and have less than 1/8 of a tank. I might just add some startron to it and hope for the best. Rick Ticket 85 SF Falmouth, MA

How was the ride back? How's the new engine running? Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... sabeth.jpg[/img]

Ride back was smooth, sunny and engine ran good. Are you still in ? Rick Ticket 85 SF Falmouth, MA

Yep. Coming out on Saturday AM. Don't know why I've waited so long. I've only used the boat 2 or 3 times since labor day.[xx(] Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... sabeth.jpg[/img]