bladder tank

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.

http://www.turtlepac.com/petroldetails.htm

Thanks for that information.

Regards,

First Pericles

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

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.

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

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

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.