Fueling your boat is far riskier than fueling your car. Think about that the next time that needle on the boat fuel gauge gets precariously close to the “E”. It’s easy just to pull into the service station, tap your credit card, pump the gasoline, and leave.
But there’s a lot more to the refueling process with a boat. The danger of a fire or explosion during the process is very real, with possible life-altering consequences.
Read on as we fill you up with high-octane wisdom on the boat fueling process
Pre-Fueling Preparations: Ensuring a Safe Environment
Creating a safe environment is an underappreciated step in preparing to fuel your boat.
First, avoid refueling after nightfall. Some self-serve fuel docks are open 24/7, but every task will be easier in daylight.
Know your fuel system’s condition
Fuel systems should be inspected at least annually, and checked thoroughly any time you detect unexplainable gas fumes.
Check fuel lines or fuel valves for any cracks in hoses or damage that could lead to leaks or spills. Test each hose-end clamp for tightness.
Checking fuel vents’ operation is essential for safety purposes, as well as engine performance. A blocked vent can reduce fuel flow to the engine.
Check vents by placing your hand under the vent opening while refueling and confirm that air is flowing from the vent. If not, the vent line is blocked.
Try clearing the blockage by inserting a stiff metal wire, e.g., straightened paperclip, into the vent and start jostling it around.
Inspect the fuel tank annually (or when you smell fumes) for leaks, instability, or loose connections on top of the tank.
Secure Your Boat
Have dock lines ready, and tie your boat to the fueling dock. Minimize movement of the boat relative to the dock. As a final precaution, don’t let either end drift far enough to put tension on the fuel hose.
Stretching the hose across the boat is inconvenient and risky. If possible, position your deck fill (gas cap) near the dock.
Lastly, shut off your engines.
Clear the Area
Clear the work area. Tripping hazards are dangerous, especially in an emergency.
Require all passengers to leave the boat and remain at a safe distance during refueling.
Extinguish All Open Flames and Turn Off All Electronic Devices
All open flames must be extinguished. Yes, the cigarettes and open flame grills Keep them extinguished until you’ve left the fuel dock.
To prevent electrical equipment sparks from igniting fuel vapors, you should turn off all electrical equipment. Yes, even the bilge blowers.
Locate Fire Extinguisher
Regulations require fire extinguishers at intervals in the fuel dispensing area Make sure you know their locations.
Fueling Process: Avoiding Fires and Other Mistakes
Now the fueling process can begin.
First, Try to Avoid Little Mistakes That Cause Big Trouble
To the tired or inattentive, fuel deck fills can look a lot like other deck fills or flush-mount rod-holders. Carelessness can result in gasoline spewing into the water tank, the waste-holding tank, or, for the rod-holders, the deck or cockpit.
Such events can spell disaster. Just like you don’t want gasoline pooling in the water tank, you won’t want to pump water into the fuel tank.
When at the pump, confirm that you’re pumping the correct fuel for your boat: be it gasoline or diesel.
Minimize Static Electricity
Sparks from static electricity discharges can ignite gas fumes. To minimize this risk, keep the metal hose nozzle in constant contact with the metal in the fill pipe opening.
Add fuel to the tank
Begin fueling. Watch the pump to track how many gallons you’ve added.
Marine fuel pumps, like service station pumps, should shut off before the fuel overflows. Sometimes the mechanism fails and fuel can spill, usually from the vent first. To prevent spills, place an absorbent pad below both the vent and the deck fill, as these pads will capture spills before they reach the water.
Post-Fueling Procedures
First Things First
You’ve still got a lot to do after the fuel shuts off. Remove the nozzle and tightly replace the cap using the deck fill key.
Finish cleaning up any spills. Dispose of the supplies as required.
The Really Important Part: Remove Fumes via Ventilation
Operate bilge blowers for at least 4 minutes with the engines still off. If you have no bilge blowers, open windows, doors, and hatches.
Then conduct the “sniff test” near the gas tank(s), checking for remaining gasoline fumes. If you smell fumes, continue ventilating and check for leaks or spills.
Start the Engine and Depart
Keep the bilge blowers on while starting the engine (or keep the windows, doors, and hatches open).
Be sure to start the engine before anyone reboards.
Invite your passengers to reboard. Untie your lines and leave the fueling dock without delay, especially if other boats are waiting.
Service Station Refueling
The same principles apply when you fuel your trailered boat at a service station. It’s time-saving and less costly.
But check your engine manufacturer’s ethanol level requirements and weigh them up against the station’s fuel. Automotive fuels frequently have ethanol levels that could damage the engine and void your warranty.
Portable Fuel Tanks
The same principles apply to boats with portable tanks. These tanks should be removed from the boat and placed on the dock for refueling.
Portable fuel tanks must be stowed such that they will not shift position while underway.
Long-term storage of fuel
Dozens of “fuel stabilizer” products are available that claim to prevent fuel from “going stale”. Each one seems to claim that only their product actually works.
Boat experts generally agree that some of these products do work. You should investigate and decide which, if any, to use. The Sta-Bil brand is popular.
Summary
Boating activities like refueling sometimes seem unsettling. But other things, like boat storage, can be easy. Check out Neighbor, a new concept in storage. Reference our Boat Storage Near Me page to learn more.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for general guidance and informational purposes only. Safety practices and regulations may vary based on your location, the type of watercraft, and local laws. Always prioritize your safety and the safety of those around you when handling fuel and operating watercraft. This article does not replace professional training, consultation with marine experts, or adherence to local and national safety regulations. The author and the website are not liable for any actions taken or consequences resulting from the use of the information presented in this article. Your safety is your responsibility, and we encourage you to take it seriously.
