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MDR_Sailing · 19-12-2017, 21:35

Has anyone had good experiences with installing bladders into old fuel and/or water tanks?

Our Downeaster 45 has very difficult to access (and large) fuel and water tanks and I'd like to get them both cleaned or lined before venturing too far from home.

I've had the fuel tanks visually inspected and have been told they both look like cleaning/polishing would be possible but there is a chance of puncturing the walls since there is minor corrosion.

For the water tanks (150gal each) they are rather difficult to access, the starboard tank leaks when filled all the way up (it stops leaking at some point, leading me to believe the tank has a hole somewhere near the top) and now that they are low the water comes out a bit milky. Might just be sediment from 40 years of use all over the pacific that has settled at the bottom.

I've researched some bladder systems like ATL (http://atlinc.com/marine.html) and I have the blue prints for the boat so I may be able to get bladders made that are custom fits, but wanted to see if anyone has had any experience installing these and how well they work.

Any advice would be appreciated!!!

**Lepke** · 20-12-2017, 12:47

I've used many bladders commercially and in the military, but not that brand. Bladders will last a long time out of the weather, but not as long as metal tanks that are cared for. I have 1942 mild steel fuel tanks and 1970 galvanized water tanks. Still tight.
It's also a lot of work to fit a bladder into an existing tank, if that's what you're thinking. You have to cut the top out usually. If you take the tanks out there needs to be support for the bladder so it doesn't rub or move around. They also need internal baffles. 150 gallons of water = 900 pounds.
Personal experience with bladder water, it takes a while for the water to taste normal.
Maybe a watermaker and a smaller new tank would be better?

**a64pilot** · 20-12-2017, 15:12

There are many issues with bladders, from wrinkles holding water in fuel tanks, to chafing and splitting.
If possible they should in my opinion be avoided, however that’s not always possible, then you just deal with them and replace as necessary.
ATL if it’s who I think they are, are an excellent bladder, they made the Turtle pacs?

HopCar · 20-12-2017, 17:18

I have no experience lining tanks with bladders but I did business with ATL back in the seventies and eighties. They are a first class company to deal with and make a fine product.

I sold a lot of their on deck bladder tanks for extending the range of boats. It was funny, most of the guys who bought them paid with stacks of twenties. Miami, early eighties, stacks of cash, I wonder.

CarinaPDX · 21-12-2017, 12:07

I have had a pair of smaller Nauta tanks for water, since before I moved aboard in 1992. I have never had a problem with them, and they still look like new. They are very well made. The only bad experience was when I didn't use them for a long time; the small amount of water left inside went bad. It was easy enough to flush out and treat with a tank cleaner, but it is probably a good idea to just keep using them. I don't remember if there was any initial taste, but after cleaning the chlorine taste is retained for a while. When cruising I always use a charcoal filter before the faucet to remove tank tastes so that is never an issue.

I lined the lockers for the bladders with outdoor carpet, and the original carpet is still there. There is no abrasive damage whatsoever after many years and miles so that worked. With larger tanks baffling would be required, or simply (stoutly) subdivide the space and use multiple small tanks.

Greg

kapnkarl · 21-12-2017, 19:49

I don't know that it matters but to be more accurate, 150 gallons of water weighs closer to 1250 lbs.

mitiempo · 21-12-2017, 21:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by kapnkarl

I don't know that it matters but to be more accurate, 150 gallons of water weighs closer to 1250 lbs.

1500 lbs in Canada - we have heavier water.

coastalexplorer · 22-12-2017, 00:01

Yes those pesky Pilgrim Fathers wanted to be different and changed the 20 oz English Pint to equal the 16 oz Pound. I guess they didn't drink beer?

The original bladder was35 gallons by Nauta made in France. They are now made in Belgium. But their North American supplier is in Florida. So being as I am in Canada & they refused to supply direct, Caused me to decide not to do business with them because I would not pay two import Broker & customs duties,

I now have a replacement of a 72 Us Gallon bladder under the Vee berth, made by AVON of USA.the hull has been lined with Neoprene foam, Anchor points of Black locust epoxy glued and screwed to the hull holding eye bolts secure and tension the holding straps to prevent movement.
not sure how much of the water capacity can be used before lifting under the Vee berth Deck occurs or weighing to much.

kapnkarl · 22-12-2017, 06:17

Care of Encyclopedia Google:

A Canadian gallon of water weighs 10 lb which is the same as 4.535 kg. The American gallon is equivalent to 3.786 litres, and since 1 litre of water weighs 1 kg, an American gallon of water weighs 3.786 kg. Obviously, the Canadian gallon is the larger.

The ratio is 1 gal(CAN) = 4.535 / 3.786 = 1.198 gal (US). Rounding this off to 3 significant figures, we find 1 gal(CAN) = 1.20 gal(US).

Bigger is better?

mitiempo · 22-12-2017, 06:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by kapnkarl

Care of Encyclopedia Google:

A Canadian gallon of water weighs 10 lb which is the same as 4.535 kg. The American gallon is equivalent to 3.786 litres, and since 1 litre of water weighs 1 kg, an American gallon of water weighs 3.786 kg. Obviously, the Canadian gallon is the larger.

The ratio is 1 gal(CAN) = 4.535 / 3.786 = 1.198 gal (US). Rounding this off to 3 significant figures, we find 1 gal(CAN) = 1.20 gal(US).

Bigger is better?

Always!