*THE HULL TRUTH is the world's largest FREE network for the discussion of Boating & Fishing. Whether you're researching a new boat, or are a seasoned Captain, you'll find The Hull Truth Boating & Fishing Message Forum contains a wealth of information from Boaters and Sportfishermen around the world.
Welcome to the updated THT!
If you are having trouble signing in, please email feedback@thehulltruth.com with your username and we will help you. We thank you for your patience as we help you access the new site!
I just got done watching another episode of Ship Shape TV and they highlighted Bertram yachts. They were cruising around on a gorgeous 2006 boat and then they began to go into the factory to show the build techniques. I was surprised to see them installing fiberglass tanks despite all of the recent talk of how bad the new ethanol fuels could be with them. Bertram made no mention of that and instead waxed pure joy of using fiberglass instead of other materials. Is anyone else surprised to hear a builder of such quality boats doing something that is so potentially dangerous?
For serveral years Yellowfin yachts used a product called Pro seal to line there gas tanks, the company, Adtech, which makes Pro seal no longer reccomends that product for gasoline.
For serveral years Yellowfin yachts used a product called Pro seal to line there gas tanks, the company, Adtech, which makes Pro seal no longer reccomends that product for gasoline.
What is Yellowfin using now? Power Boat Reports recommends switching all fiberglass tanks if you're using E-10. Does Yellowfin have a plan to address this?
I heard YF changed about 6 months ago, but that does not help the hundred or so boats that are going to have gasoline leach into the balsa cored bottoms.
I heard YF changed about 6 months ago, but that does not help the hundred or so boats that are going to have gasoline leach into the balsa cored bottoms.
From what I understand, leaking isn't the biggest problem. The dissolved fiberglass getting into your fuel filters and engine are the biggest problem.
I think having a hull that is a potential time bomb because the core is saturated with gasoline is a bigger problem than a clogged fuel filter, . The big difference between YF and the other fiberglass fuel tanks is that the tanks are integrated , meaning no tank, the bottom of the tank is the bottom of the hull, the sides are the stringers and than a lid is placed on top of the stringer. This process is not recommended by any boat building association for gasoline.
So what is Yellowfin now using for fuel tanks? Have they switched to aluminum? Also, a fact check on the coring material below the waterline, are you sure it's balsa core, I understood it was Corecell.
Contrary to what Boat Useless and other magazines have stated, not all gas powered Bertram tanks have failed. In fact, its the exception rather than the norm. Trust me. Long Island has been using ethanol for almost 3 years now. Some people had issues right away and others have still not had issues. This leads me to believe that there are other issues at work.
There's nothing wrong with using fiberglass tanks as long as the resin is ethanol safe vinylester which is what Bertram is currently using. Though it doesn't really matter as Betram no longer makes any gas powered boats.
dougl33 I have never heard of ethanol safe vinylester, could you please tell me who makes it, none of the resin manufactures that I have contacted will guarantee their vinylester products to be impervious to ethanol. Thanks
With older Bertrams with fiberglass tanks the question is not if they will fail, but when. I have a gas 1979 38' Bertram Convertible III with fiberglass tanks. I've been fortunalte enough to have been able to find regular non ethanol gas which I have used exclusively throughout this season. Having said that I knew changing out the tank was inevitable and decided to repower with Cummins diesels and keep my tank. Not the least expensive option but overall the one that will give me the most peace of mind and at the same time increase my range, improve economy, and add value to my boat and believe I'm getting the most bang for my buck. The consensus of opinion from all who have provided me insight on this that at the very least a tank changeover should be considered. This is the best way to go and that sooner or later there's going to be problem (s) related to tank deterioration from E10. Evidence of this is already surfacing here in Maryland where E10 was introduced this year. I'm not sure of exactly when Bertram began using vinylester resins but I believe it was sometime around 1990 making all gas powered boats manufactured after that E10 safe. Biggest problem I've found is trying to get accurate info from Bertram on this, they have not respnded to any of my inquiries related to this. Can't believe they don't have info on older Bertram boats tucked away in their archives somewhere. In my opinion I believe Bertram, with a little effort, could/should be able to tell owners of older boats what kind of resins were used when those boats were manufactured. My advice to all owners of older Bertrams or any other older boats with fiberglass tanks is either be absolutely sure their tanks were made with vinylester resins or change out the tank entirely. It's not a very good feeling to know your potentially sitting on firecracker every time you put E10 fuel in the tank (s).
I have a simple answer for you. NONE of the older fiberglass tanks will hold up long term to E10. Bertram does not have to switch tank resins because they have not made gas powered for many many years. When the 28B's, 30B's, 31B's,33B's, 35B's 37B's, 38B's, 42B's all went out production in the early 90's as the case with 28B's, all others in the 80's; that ceased the gas boat production. Doesn't matter what resin Bertram used soon or later E10 will get to it.
Bertram.........the company as we know it that built all those boats that us regular people know so well is LONG GONE....The company claiming to be Bertram today is an Italian company that bought a few molds and created a few more of their own..........They will be little help if any on any of the boats or systems that we all know and love......Your best bet would be to get in touch with just a good old fashion boat mechanic or even better someone who does remodels or restorations of older Bertrams...............
Bertram uses fiberglass fuel tanks? ethanol No-no? 
