Fuel Lines

Once replaced the rubber section of hydraulic steering lines and discovered it had an expiration date. Purchase survey recommended all fuel lines on current boat be replaced (no leaks) and after something happened to a section of one that prevented an engine running off one of the two fuel tanks decided it was time to replace them all, hence the small collection in the making.

The mechanic took them to the hose supply for them to match up new ones. I'll text him to bring them back with the new ones and will send you the cut off ends. Cost me like 350.00 without labor for a short 4 ft. one I had made up a few days ago before deciding to replace them all. Unable to find where the starboard return line goes into forward tank. We can see it entering ER forward bulk head but not on the other side. Suspect might be under the floor, under stateroom bed but really strange as it would be the only line on the boat without any visible access. Sucks not having any paperwork or the long gone Bertram factory in Miami to maybe be of some help.

All of my GFI's were bad. In the old days when they went bad they would just not "pop," so it was a great improvement when they fixed that flaw. One at my dock once saved my ass. Feet in the water on a wave runner and when I reached up for the davit cable, more heard the GFI pop then the SLIGHTEST "jolt." Turns out the davit motor developed some sort of short. The sellers captain had told me he always ran off the aft tank. One day decided to let them drink from the fwd tank but starboard main would not run off it. Turned out the 4 ft. section of fuel line from selector valve from the tank had gone bad. It was supposed to be returned but mechanic left it at the hose shop but we suspected the stainless mesh under the rubber may have been going bad. I wanted to cut it open and explore. Once replaced a rubber section of hydraulic steering line on the previous Bert and discovered it had an expiration date that had long expired. Guess their related to human arteries I learned first hand are not always maintenance free.

The two I used (boat and engines) I thought were very thorough and after sitting down with the seller & listing broker, both of whom appeared dazed at the list of (mostly minor) items) persuaded him to accept my revised (6 figures lower) offer.

Took about a week to get the final report as discussed with the seller after the sea trial. No surprises in his "book" that included color photos of every listed item and has helped a lot in getting all ship shaped. PS Told mechanic this AM to bring me back all the old hoses when he brings the new ones. Keeps warning me how expensive the new ones will be but the way I have to look at it for my sanity, is the seller already paid for them; although they provided him a couple decades use. Not cheap toys but as they say, "no plumbers at sea." Never been towed and not planning for a first time.

Previous Bertram tank was fiberglass. Now both tanks are aluminum. Mechanic just removed the last two fuel lines and one had severe cracking so as he said, they needed to be replaced.

A single 400 gal. glass tank in the 1979, 38 and now 250 and 550 aluminum in this 1995, 46. Was always very comfortable with the glass as I think as long as only for diesel they last forever but have read mixed reports on aluminum although the 38 had aluminum water tank that never had any issues with so hopefully these two will not have any. Bertram does appear to have kept them well above the low points in the hull which I think is a main contributor to long life.

Stainless is GREAT. Had one built 15 years ago for homes back up diesel generator that still looks like new. Probably at a cost savings for Bertram, all the more current tanks are aluminum.
PS
Learned my lesson many years ago to never use gasoline with alcohol in either small motors, outboards, or any in marine use after a problem with one of the wave runners. Interestingly; had two runners until recently sold; one with carburetors the other fuel injected but the fuel injected one never had the same fuel related problem. Only ever used REC 90 in the Yamaha powered 25 Contender; recently repowered with a pair of Suzuki's. Also an aluminum tank now 20 years old but so far so good. Lift stored at good drainage angle which I suspect may be a key to longevity.