1987 red 24 Skater on Offshore Only

[johnmiffco]

The Kevlar really has no influence on the tank issue. It's the resin that gets attacked by the fuel.

glass boats were built with an polyester classed resin
Kevlar boat is built with vinyl ester or epoxy
the tanks will be built with same resins as the boat as they are built into the boat
them 2 are less prone to be attacked by the alky,,,,,,
but any built in glass tank can go soft in time
so bladders or allun is way to go

[Onetime]

The new fuel with alcohol in it has attacked all of the above listed resins. Some might last longer then others but it's attacking them all. I always thought epoxy was impervious to just about everything but not so with this new fuel. Epoxy seems to be the most susceptible to it.
Skater is doing repairs to the tanks that so far is holding up and hopefully it remains that way.

[tony97gt]

You can talk to 305rumrunner on here (justin), he bought his 24 and sent it to Skater to have the tanks done. I have never had tank issues but I run ethanol free fuel and monitor my water/fuel separator filters. Just boost up the octane with some 100LL AvGas and haven't had issues. Also called Peter after we bought the boat and he said it's vinylester and shouldn't have issues. Worst case scenario, you replace them if you have issues. Then you should hopefully NEVER have to worry because if they go bad again you will probably have sold the boat and upgraded to a 28 or 30.

[Onetime]

Except most of the 28's need the tanks done unless it was built after 2008!

[Speed Jr.]

Except most of the 28's need the tanks done unless it was built after 2008!

Tell me about it! Lol

[RobF]

I have tank re-lining going back to 2006 no failures.
I had one with a few chips in the tank but was due to application error the lab said the coating was not thick enough it was a little bit on the lid. I went with an alternating color method to assure the proper amount was being applied. I know what caused it so far knock on wood at least half dozen boats= 12 tanks no failures yet.

Installed aluminum tanks on one 28 at the owner's request- not such an easy job but not terrible either

[Mr. Demeanor]

Could t someone make a bladder to fit in the existing tank to make this easier? Just stuff the bladder in and be done?

[tony97gt]

Funny you should mention that, my buddy and I were just discussing that about an hour ago. He knows a guy here in ft laud who supposedly does just that.

[Brad Zastrow]

Problem is when the tanks go bad they cause hull damage as well. The balsa core can be damaged which becomes an expensive repair. Steer clear of the bladder tanks. They do not hold up either. Even with race gas they are only good for about 5 years. In my opinion the only good fix is replacing with aluminum tanks or plastic tanks. In any case it is a lot work and money to repair or replace the tanks. So budget $3-5000 for the repair.

[Onetime]

Can't do bladders without some modification to the tanks as they have a network of baffles in them.

[RobF]

Bladders are super expensive and you would still need to cut the deck, lid, and baffles out