RNLI Bladders - Are they still usable

[gocherhaz]

Hello. I am ex RNLI bladder and was wondering when is it time to call it a day with them? I have attached some photos. Do you think it would be okay? If not can it be repaired?

Many thanks
-Harry




Ex RNLI Y-94
Ex RNLI D class

[Poly]

do you want to be sitting in a boat with 30L of petrol slopping round your feet? when all your fuel is on "deck" how will you run the engine?

Of course you could patch the damage, but how confident would you be?

[gocherhaz]

So this orange material is the actual tank or is this a covering? There are no holes I can see all the way through.


Ex RNLI Y-94
Ex RNLI D class

[Max...]

Ive had a couple but like new condition, not seen one like that. I use a cut off bike tube valve in a piece of tubing to pressure test them - pump to 30 psi and spray soapy water all over. No leaks.

[Poly]

They are made from the same sort of fabric as boat tubes. Inner neoprene type rubber for a seal, then a fabric layer for strength and then the outside that protects it all. These are all laminated together in one fabric, not like a bike tyre with an inner tube. You are worn through to at least the middle layer in several places.

[gocherhaz]

I have two of them. Both in similar condition. Don't know whether to try get them repaired. There aren't many around and need one for my Y class. Cheers


Ex RNLI Y-94
Ex RNLI D class

[Max...]

I think they are thermo welded. Not easy to repair. Never understood why no Chinese manufacturer is making an affordable version. Bladders work great on SIBs, much more space friendly than tanks.

BTW, man - you've got some dirty fingers!

[gocherhaz]

I've emailed Seaflex hoping they can help.

And Max, just been fiddling with 20hp Yamaha I recently picked up. Got it running sweet now 😉


Ex RNLI Y-94
Ex RNLI D class

[Max...]

Great, should be perfect on the Y.

[gocherhaz]

If I can get a fuel bag working... 😂


Ex RNLI Y-94
Ex RNLI D class

[Poly]

Originally Posted by Max...

I think they are thermo welded. Not easy to repair. Never understood why no Chinese manufacturer is making an affordable version. Bladders work great on SIBs, much more space friendly than tanks.

I suspect there are regulatory issues, solid tanks are all certified/accredited. I think flexi tanks are really only sold for rescue / race use not "leisure". That of course doesn't stop some "grey" imports but probably restricts the market further, when actually most SIB owners manage fine with a plastic can - whilst its easier to store on "deck" a squidgy bag doesn't seem as reassuring for car transport or offloaded into your yacht locker. And I dare say, that anyone who has had issues filling up at the pump with a jerry can is really going to struggle with a bladder.