posted 02-20-2003 03:08 PM ET (US)        

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Recently I did some research to find out who manufactured a fiberglass custom tank with red pigment that I had growing up on our 13. Through our forum I learned that it was none other than the fine people at Pate. After talking with them the owners decided to try another batch once they were caught up on their work. I received a call today and was told that the first one is in the mold and it looks very nice. I will know tomorrow for sure and should receive my tank soon after.

I would just like to say how often does something like that work out. Not too many companies will bring back a discontinued product just because a customer has requested that he would like to have one.

The reason I wanted this tank is because I like that the pigment is in the fiberglass so there is no paint to worry about and deep red is a great look under the seat of a whaler. Pate makes tanks as I understand for quite a few different model whalers, so if you are interested you should look into this special color. It is the same tanks as the white and cream, just with a red pigment inside the fiberglass rather than paint. As I understand this red version has been requested in the past to be produced again so if you are interested let them know.

If anyone would like pictures of what this looks like let me know.

PSW

posted 02-20-2003 03:18 PM ET (US)            

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pate is truly a class act company!

I was informed by my "friendly" coast guard aux. that all portable tanks had to be red in color but he would "let me slide" for my inspection. Now the Pate on my Whaler is cream but where it is chipped it is red underneath(pigment). Now this may be that it was one of the last red tanks and they painted it cream for the Whaler or the previous owner painted it cream but I highly doubt they would have bought new decals for it and knew where to tape off the visual level strip that runs down the tank. Anyone else have similar experiences?

posted 02-20-2003 03:54 PM ET (US)            

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Thank god those c.g. aux. guys can't do anything about it even if they wanted to....

JC

posted 02-20-2003 05:42 PM ET (US)            

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I bought my 27 pate used from a mechanic that works at a whaler dealer (bought via the marketplace forum). He told me it was originally red now white. It really needs to be sanded and repainted. I'd like to paint it red but I read or was told that dark colors tend to cause the fiberglass to delaminate when exposed to sunlight. Too much heat? Is this true? There's an awful lot of dark corvettes.

Dave

posted 02-20-2003 06:00 PM ET (US)            

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All those reasons are why I like that this way the color is in the fiberglass so none of the above can become an issue.

PSW

posted 02-20-2003 07:47 PM ET (US)            

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Bigshot,

My old Pate 27 has some scratches on it with some red showing through also. Since the see-thru area is clear, I was guessing that the red stuff was some kind of primer coat.

Rick

posted 02-20-2003 11:42 PM ET (US)            

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Yes the tank will fit under the seat of the Montauk. It is the same tank as what is talked about in the section on tanks just a different color. I am sure you can get whatever size also. They are all the same in the beginning and just cut down to size after being taken out of the mold before attached to the bottom.

PSW

posted 02-20-2003 11:57 PM ET (US)            

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PSW,

Perhaps I was not clear on my earlier post. What I meant to ask was about an underseat tank for a 13' Sport. Is that what you referred to in your first message? I'm not talking about a Montauk or newer 170. Just curious if they made a custom tank for the smaller boats...

posted 02-21-2003 09:59 AM ET (US)            

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Don, they do make tanks for smaller whalers and the 13 has a 9, 12, and like 15 to choose from. I am not exact on those numbers but it is something like that. It is a very nice tank and sits under the rear bench.

I doubt I will have any problem here in the NW with the gas going bad since the weather is rather mild and I store the boat indoors.
Would venting the gas more possibly help?

PSW

posted 02-22-2003 12:31 AM ET (US)            

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PSW,

Thanks for the info. To the best of your knowledge, does Pate sell any of the smaller tanks online or via snail mail, etc.? I would guess that these sort of products are pretty much special order items at this point. I'm a little frustrated because my local retailers just want to sell me another "Tempo" product and I'm just not going in that direction. Please share a URL for Pate if you've got one handy. Thanks in advance, Don

posted 02-22-2003 01:23 AM ET (US)            

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Pate's aren't perfect. Mine developed cracks around the bottom seam. I think it was due to temperature changes expanding and contracting the tank. Gas started leaking all over the deck.

Went with a Tempo replacement and it stinks too. I think, if you want the bullet proof option it would be aluminum, but I haven't tried that yet so who knows.

posted 02-22-2003 01:24 AM ET (US)            

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Don I would just go through Pate direct and they can ship the tank direct to you. Call them at 305.754.0896 They can make a tank specifically to fit your needs. At that point you can decide if you want the cream or the new color I am getting. They told me today they were installing the fill neck and will call Monday and take care of the details (like paying for it I assume). Hope that answers some of your questions.

PSW