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42' Bertram fuel tank question

Discussion in 'Bertram Yacht' started by AdrenalinJunki, Jun 6, 2011.

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  1. AdrenalinJunki

    AdrenalinJunki New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2011
    Messages:
    24
    Location:
    Pensacola, Fl
    I just recently purchased a 1978 42' Bertram with two fuel tanks, both centerline. I've been told that 54' Bertrams run better if you empty the FWD fuel tank first. Any 42' Bertram owners out there who can enlighten me whether I should switch tanks or just feed one motor offf one tank, and one off another? Any advise is appreciated.
  2. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2005
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    14,432
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale
    What cruise speed does the boat normally cruise at? From what I've seen, SF's that cruise at 25 knots and above usually 95% of the time like the foward tank drained first and using trim tabs to both lower the bow and create lift at the stern. Slower boats tend to like more foward weight to stay on plane. Not too familiar with the 42'
  3. AdrenalinJunki

    AdrenalinJunki New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2011
    Messages:
    24
    Location:
    Pensacola, Fl
    This boat still has the original Cummins VT903's, so it cruises 22kts. It likes to run tabs down.
  4. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Jul 11, 2005
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    14,432
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale
    I would probably drain the aft tank first then, until you almost stop using the tabs then run the fwd tank next so it runs flatter. Try that first, then if that doesn't give the best speed/ride, then drain them both at the same time.
  5. bertram42

    bertram42 New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2011
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    1
    Location:
    Cheshire, CT
    This is an old post I just found so hopefully you have already answered your question. I always ran my 42 with aft tank one engine forward tank the other. I ran the gen set off the aft tank because it held an extra 100 gallons. centerline tanks drained at the same rate will not effect the trim as the fuel gets burned off. My 42 had an additional 250 gallons under the cockpit (two 125 gallons each. When they were full it dropped the aft waterline a few inches and the boat ran stern down no matter how much tab was used. happy when I could transfer the fuel to the main tanks. Only used the aux tanks for extended offshore trips.
    Hope your 42 is working out well for you. They are great boats, I miss mine.