Ethanol and fiberglass

[rwappleton]

Any one heard of or know of tank problems due to ethanol with older (65) Hat's? If so has anyone changed (removed and replaced) the tanks in a 41MY with aft stateroom?

Many thanks in advance

 

[jim rosenthal]

More than likely you WILL have problems with the older tanks and ethanol. We have a number of members who have restored 41 Hatts. Has anyone done the tanks?

 

[34Hatt]

No offense but where have you been hiding?

Do a search here make sure you go back what 4 -5 years you name its been posted!

 

[ohiohatteras]

Replaced the tanks in my 1976 36C 2 season ago.......Ethanol and Old glass tanks DO NOT MIX!

 

[rwappleton]

Answer to the first question is on a boat with aluminum tanks!

I sold my last Hat over 10 years ago and been miserable ever since!!!!!! If everything goes as planned I will be home again soon!

Now that we have established they must be changed..... I would like to hear from those of you to get the good, bad and ugly!!!!

Thanks Again,

Russ Appleton

 

[Beckytek]

My Hatt is a 1988 model and I have been using ethanol gas for the past 6 years with no problems. I understand the earlier models (1965 etc) must have the tanks replaced. Not sure what year they changed the formula to ethanol resistant resins, maybe around 1985-86. sorry

 

[Americana]

I have a 1986 43'MY w/twin 350 hp's. I researched this with Hatteras and was unfortunately only 3 serial numbers before they made the swich to ethanol compatible resins. So I replaced my tanks with 2 126 gallon aluminum tanks but lost capacity in the process. If I remember, about $ 12k a couple of years ago ( all fuel lines too).
Now I lack capacity and want to use my 98 gal aux tank. I'm thinking about installing a bladder. Hatteras can't seem to find the blueprint to get the size/ dimensions but advised there will be baffles that need will to be ground out. The access between engines is only about 12 x 18" if I remember so that is the issue. Somehow I need to get that tank useable for ethanol gas. I need the range. All my research shows that you should not use ethanol with the old resin system.

 

[bobk]

Have you checked to see if ethanol-free fuel iis available in your area? There is a web site that shows it nationally.

 

[Avenger]

http://pure-gas.org

 

[Americana]

Thanks guys, but no real gas in MA, RI, CT or NY. Is there much on the ICW?
-Mark

 

[bobk]

It's readily available here in Florida. I know of three stations near Cambridge that have it. No oother experience.

Bob

 

[bwwhaler]

I posted about this a couple months ago...There are no ethanol resistant fiberglass tanks. It just can't chemically work. The fuel will eventually break down the resins and start leaking and/or ruin your engines. Do a search on Pate industries who made glass fuel tanks for Boston Whaler for many years. They to switched their resin compound back years ago and they are now out of business for replacement of tanks that failed under warranty. Maybe Hatteras got the combination right. I wouldn't bet on it. Ethanol is crap and unless you are 100% certain you aren't putting it in your boat, you should replace the tanks. With the federal government that is in control right now, we will not see an end to Ethanol...EVER. Maybe we can convert all our boats to solar power and not worry about it.