Subject: 1971 Bertram & Ethanol
Chuck,
I have been reading many posts and articles regarding your current research of the ethanol problems we are experiencing. I have a 1971 Bertram 31 that I keep in Freeport NY. Up till this point I feel I have been very fortunate. However, I have recently been thinking about a course of action to take to be on the cautious side of this situation.
I was wondering what would be the correct procedure to follow. Ideally I thought it best to drain my fuel filters first and have the gas sent to a lab to analyze the composition of the gas. Then, maybe suck some gas from the bottom of the tank to see if large amounts of water have seperated. After doing this, should I send that gas out for comparison as well? Could you possibly supply information to a lab that is close to my location? Now, if the results come back that my gas is clean, could I continue to use my existing tank setup or would this be inviting a problem. Ideally if the gas came back with evidence of resins, I would have to swap out the tank.
Here arises another dilemma. I have seen posts about brand new outboards shutting down, with an orange rustlike material. After further reading and research, I have been led to beleive that the ethanol is also etching the aluminum tanks as well. That basicaly leaves me 2 options. Number 1 is an aluminum tank with an internal liner or sealer, or number 2 a stainless steel tank to replace my fiberglass tank. I am also aware that many underground storage tanks are made of a so called "ethanol approved" fiberglass. Would you know what constitutes "approved" fiberglass? And if it's possible to locate anyone that manufactures or fabricates the fiberglass tanks for boating use?
Also, do we as a boating community have any recourse for the extreme expenses that we are realizing as a result of the ethanol usage. To my eyes, it seems that the EPA, DEC, GOV'T, Gas Co's, and Ethanol Co's, have not done their research correctly or completely, or they are outright lieing to the general public about the compatability and/or safety of ethanol usage. Not only have I heard about the extremely dangerous hazards possible in the marine environment, but have also heard of several autos needing engine repairs also due to ethanol. I would appreciate any and all ideas, information, and/or answers that you could possibly provide for me. In turn I will relate this to the many boaters and Bertram owners that I come in contact with on a daily basis.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
Harvey Friedman
917-714-3871
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harvey,
There is a lab in East Northport, NY that we have used and is familiar with the problem. The lab is NH Materials Lab, Inc. (631) 754-8518. The scientist I have dealt with there is Fred Hochgraf. Another lab we have used is Long Island Analytical Lab, Holbrook, NY (631) 472-3400.
I’m not certain they can analyze the fuel and tell you if there is enough contamination to cause problems – I don’t think anybody really knows. But I feel that most if not all old FG tanks will eventually be affected.
As far as the orange rust-like material, a large outboard manufacturer (who declined to be identified) researched the problem and had the results presented at an NMMA conference. They believe it is the result of mixing MTBE and ethanol gas in the presence of water (during the changeover). We also know that ethanol is a powerful solvent and will clean gas residue (orange-ish varnish) from tanks. Aluminum is resistant to ethanol unless water is present. Stainless steel is not recommended for tanks over 20 gallons – I’ve sent along the ABYC metal tank guidelines.
There are resins made specifically to withstand ethanol. You’d have to find a fiberglass place that would be willing to use it. Reichhold technical support has told me that Dion 6631 and Atlac 490 are ethanol resistant, up to 120 degrees – it’s what they use in underground storage tanks. They also recommended post curing. You would have to find a distributor – the only one I know of is in California, but I’m sure there are others. A distributor called Fiberglass Hawaii in Santa Cruz carries the Dion 6631 in gallons for $40/gal. Their number is 831-476-7464.
I wish I could advise you toward recourses, but I don’t see any. I agree that ethanol was introduced without considering all the consequences (the NMMA is vigorously against it, mostly because of how it may affect new boats). Trying to sue the federal government or gas companies will be an expensive proposition, especially since no one (yet) has been killed or seriously injured.
Also, don’t think that you’re in this by yourself – I was just told that the entire Mid-Atlantic (including the Chesapeake Bay) will be getting ethanol this summer! Because Congress didn’t protect gas companies from MTBE lawsuits in the last energy bill, they are eliminating it from their shipments – the only viable alternative is ethanol.
Here is a website with testing that we’ve done: http://www.boatus.com/seaworthy/default.asp
I hope this information helps you. Good luck!
Chuck Fort
BoatU.S.
Associate Editor
Seaworthy and Exchange
(703) 461-2878 x3033