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bladder tank

Discussion in 'Technical Discussion' started by Kenny's Toy, Aug 28, 2007.

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  1. Kenny's Toy, Aug 28, 2007
    #1
    Kenny's Toy

    Kenny's Toy New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 15, 2007
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    Location:
    South Caribean
    Hi I have 2 Vetus 80 gallon flexible fuel tanks, one of them has developed a nasty leak, so I called up Vetus to see if they have a repair kit of some kind .
    they tell me they don't make em anymore and that they don't know of a repair kit, that I should just replace it .. now these thing are not cheap, and it it seems such a pity to throw the tank away just for one leak ,so I was wondering if anybody knows a way to repair these tanks ...
    any help would be appreciated....
  2. Dhowdodger, Sep 3, 2007
    #2
    Dhowdodger

    Dhowdodger New Member

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    May 27, 2006
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    Location:
    Arabian Gulf
    Throw away

    Don't go there it will all end in tears, I had 8 vetus tanks for deck loading for long journeys, after you repair them, the patchs come off again in no time and then the seams start to go.

    Turtlepac.com provided my new tanks and i can highly recomend them.
  3. Kenny's Toy, Sep 3, 2007
    #3
    Kenny's Toy

    Kenny's Toy New Member

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    Jul 15, 2007
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    Location:
    South Caribean
    not exactly what I wanted to hear, but I guess maybe your right, i'll take a look at these turtlepacks or the nautas.
    anybody has some experiences with these bladders??
  4. First Pericles, Sep 5, 2007
    #4
    First Pericles

    First Pericles New Member

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  5. First Pericles, Sep 21, 2007
    #5
    First Pericles

    First Pericles New Member

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    Over the last few days I have been trying to obtain clarification about the use of flexible fuel cells for petrol (gasoline) within the EU (European Union). The RCD (Recreational Craft Directive) requires CE marking on most, if not all, components installed in boats sold in the EU. The Turtlepac flexible fuel cells do not carry this marking, as yet.

    F1 teams use ATL http://www.atlltd.com/products.htm in their cars to prevent fuel fires and explosions. However, ethanol in petrol is causing alarm. http://www.atlltd.com/pdf/important/Ethanol_Warning_DS-555_Unleaded_Fuel.pdf

    On top of that, ATL warn that their fuel cells have a life of seven years. See bottom of page. http://www.atlltd.com/pdf/important/Return_of_cell_guidelines.pdf

    Both http://www.ceproof.com/recreational_craft_directive.htm and the BSS (Boat Safety Scheme) Section 2 http://www.boatsafetyscheme.com/site/2ndedBSSEssentialGuide_212.asp are likely to be the reasons why Vetus have dropped their flexible tanks.

    First Pericles
  6. KarlosKrater, Mar 18, 2009
    #6
    KarlosKrater

    KarlosKrater New Member

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    Mar 17, 2009
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    Location:
    St. Augustine
    Turtlepac has a few disadvantages which I had to realize when purchasing a bladder. No CE-conformity, so hard to get legalized in Europe. The slightest vibration will lead to excessive wear and reduces longevity to half a year. Don't even try to talk to Laszlo who will play his card that he is far away or that it would be easier to sell the bladder to someone else.
  7. elooije, Apr 10, 2009
    #7
    elooije

    elooije New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 10, 2009
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    1
    Location:
    amsterdam
    small boat usage

    Hi,
    thanks for your insights into Turtle Pac. I'm thinking to use one as my main and only fueltank in my 6 meter boat, fitting in a closed small compartment.

    Are you serious about the longlivety and wearness? What if i pack the tank in a carpet or something? It will just sit there?...

    Thanks for your advice,


    Elwin Looije
  8. Fishtigua, Apr 10, 2009
    #8
    Fishtigua

    Fishtigua Senior Member

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    Location:
    Guernsey/Antigua
    Hi Elwin

    Vetus now do a new type of fuel tank that is twin skinned with a foam core.
    All you do is place the tank in the bilge space you have and then inflate it.

    When the tank has settled to the desired space, open another valve and the foam will 'set' to fit. Worth thinking about.

    Fish
  9. Capt J, Apr 10, 2009
    #9
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    DO NOT repair it. It will leak somewhere else with a quickness, or the patch will blow. How much is 80 gallons or diesel worth when it all leaks on your deck and into the ocean? The price of a new bladder. If you have the room, I prefer 60 gallon drums myself. They're plenty cheap also.

    As for bladders not being CE compliant, that I don't know. But portable bladders are not installed, so you could argue that route if you are using it on deck.