Sylvie Willis
Knowing how to access your boat's fuel tank is an essential part of boat ownership. While every boat is different, most have a well-marked fuel fill that's usually located on or near an aft gunwale or side deck. In small boats with small outboard motors and a portable gas tank, the fill is generally located on top of the tank itself. Accessing the fuel tank is necessary for regular maintenance, such as draining old gas, which can prolong the life of your tank and keep the engine running smoothly. It is also important to know how to access your fuel tank to prevent running out of fuel, which is the number one cause of boater distress.
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What You'll Learn
Fuel tank locations on boats
The fuel tank location varies across different boats. Most boats have a well-marked fuel fill that is usually located on or near an aft gunwale or side deck. For small boats with small outboard motors and a portable gas tank, the fill is usually on top of the tank.
If you want to locate the fuel tank on your boat, you can try to identify the fuel fill, water fills, pump-outs, and even fishing rod holders. These can be tougher to identify when reaching up overhead to a boat on a trailer, so it may be easier to look down at the fills when you can see their labels.
If you are looking to drain the gas from your boat's fuel tank, you will need to remove the boat from the water and place it in a dry, well-ventilated area. You can then use a fuel pump to drain the gas. A manual fuel pump is a good option for those who only need to drain their boat's fuel tank occasionally, while an electric pump is more efficient but pricier.
When handling boat fuel, it is important to wear safety gear such as rubber gloves, goggles, and a face mask to avoid skin irritation and inhalation of fumes.
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How to drain old gas from a boat's fuel tank
Draining old gas from your boat's fuel tank is an important step in boat maintenance, as it helps prolong the life of your tank and keeps the engine running smoothly. When it comes time to take your boat out of the water for the season, draining the fuel tank can prevent residue build-up in the off-season.
Firstly, you will need to remove the boat from the water to properly drain the fuel tank. Make sure you are wearing safety gear, such as rubber gloves and goggles, and that your boat is in a dry, well-ventilated place. Depending on how much gas is in the tank, you may want to run your boat to reduce the fuel level further. Less than 1/8 of a tank is a good range to have on the boat's fuel gauge before draining it.
If you have a below-deck tank, the fuel pickup is raised off the bottom, so you will leave around 10% from the pickup side. If you need to get all of the fuel out, go through the filler neck. If you have a fuel water separator, you can run the fuel through it a few times to get the water out.
To drain the old gas, you can use a manual or electric fuel pump. A manual pump is a good choice if you only need to drain your boat's fuel pump occasionally (ideally once a year, before the off-season). Most kits come with a 3/8-inch fuel hose, but if not, you will need to purchase one separately. An electric pump is more efficient, but pricier. Good electric and battery-operated pumps range between $150 and $300. For an electric model, you will need an extension cord to drain the tank.
To use a fuel pump, connect the inlet side of the pump to the hose. Disconnect the hose clamp so that the fuel line from the tank is hanging. Then, connect the inlet to the fuel tank and the outlet to a gas can to drain the fuel. Unhook the fuel line from the motor and hook the hose to the input on the pump. Take a second hose, hook it up to the output, and put the other end in a gas can or another suitable container. Run wires to the boat battery.
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How to fill a boat's fuel tank
Filling a boat's fuel tank is a relatively straightforward process, but there are some key considerations to keep in mind to ensure safety and avoid damage to the boat. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to fill a boat's fuel tank:
Locate the Fuel Tank
Before filling the tank, you need to locate the fuel fill. In most boats, the fuel fill is well-marked and usually located on or near an aft gunwale or side deck. For small boats with small outboard motors and a portable gas tank, the fill is typically located on top of the tank itself.
Prepare the Boat for Refueling
If you are fueling the boat at a fuel dock, ensure that the boat is securely docked, all engines are shut down, and all lines are cleated. If your boat has a cabin, close all doors and hatches to prevent fumes from filling the enclosed spaces. It is also important to ensure that everyone exits the boat during refueling to reduce the risk of injury in case something goes wrong.
Choose the Right Fuel
It is crucial to use gasoline approved for marine engines. Gas with a high percentage of ethanol, such as "Regular 88," may be suitable for cars but can damage boat engines. Always double-check that you are using the correct type of fuel for your boat.
Place the Portable Fuel Tank on the Ground
If you are using a portable fuel tank, remove it from the boat and place it on the ground before filling. This helps reduce the potential for static electricity buildup, which can be dangerous. Touching something metallic before exiting your vehicle and placing the tank on the ground can further reduce static buildup.
Fill the Tank
When filling the tank, use a fuel nozzle that touches the can to direct any static electricity into the can and then into the ground. Be careful not to overfill the tank, as gasoline expands and contracts with temperature changes. Leave some space at the top of the tank to prevent spills. You can use a fuel saver over the vent to capture any excess fuel, which can then be poured back into the tank.
Safety and Maintenance
Always follow safety practices, such as not smoking during refueling. Additionally, consider using a fuel stabilizer to prevent engine issues, especially if the boat will be stored for an extended period. Regularly draining old gas from the fuel tank is also important for maintenance and prolonging the life of the tank.
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Safety precautions when fuelling a boat
Safety should always be a top priority when fuelling a boat. Here are some crucial safety precautions to follow when fuelling your boat to ensure your safety and the safety of your passengers and vessel:
Before fuelling:
- Ensure your engine is shut off.
- Remove portable fuel tanks from the boat and place them on the ground before filling to reduce the risk of static electricity build-up.
- Inform nearby boaters that you are fuelling up and request that they refrain from starting their engines until you are finished.
- Seal off any interior space by closing all doors, windows, and hatches to prevent fumes from entering and becoming trapped inside.
- Extinguish all flames, including grills and cigarettes.
- Turn off all electrical devices, including generators, to eliminate any potential spark hazards.
- Inspect your lines, hoses, clamps, vents, and tank for any damage, loose connections, rub spots, cracks, rust, or corrosion.
- If using portable containers, use a filtered funnel to minimise spills and remove contaminants.
During fuelling:
- Ensure your boat is securely fastened to the dock to minimise movement.
- Request that all passengers disembark for their safety and to prevent the boat from rocking.
- Hold the nozzle directly to the fill pipe to ground it and prevent static electricity build-up.
- Avoid overfilling by leaving room for fuel expansion; never fill the tank more than 90% full.
- Use gasoline specifically approved for marine engines to prevent engine damage.
- Be cautious when identifying fuel fills, water fills, pump-outs, and fishing rod holders, as these can be more challenging to distinguish when reaching up overhead.
After fuelling:
- Open all doors, hatches, and windows to ventilate and allow any fumes to escape.
- Turn the pump off and hold the nozzle upright while returning it to prevent spilling any residual fuel in the hose.
- Wipe up any fuel spills on the boat's side with an absorbent pad and dispose of the pad properly.
- Allow sufficient time for gas fumes to dissipate before restarting your boat.
- If you still smell gasoline, operate your ventilation system or blower for several minutes before starting the engine.
By adhering to these safety precautions, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable boating experience for yourself and your passengers.
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Tools needed to drain a boat's fuel tank
To drain a boat's fuel tank, you will need a few tools and safety gear. Fuel is a skin irritant, so it is important to protect your skin and eyes. Here is a list of the tools you may need:
- Safety Gear: Rubber gloves and goggles are essential when handling boat fuel to protect your skin and eyes from irritation. A face mask can also be helpful if you are sensitive to fumes.
- Fuel Pump: You can use a manual or electric fuel pump to drain the tank. Manual pumps are cheaper and sold as kits at local marina stores. Electric pumps are more efficient but pricier. A 12v fuel pump can be connected to the boat's battery for power.
- Hose: Most fuel pump kits come with a 3/8-inch fuel hose, but if yours does not, you will need to purchase one separately. The hose is used to transfer the fuel from the tank to a storage container.
- Fuel Container: You will need an appropriate fuel container or gas can to store the drained fuel. Ensure it is large enough to capture all the fuel and placed lower than the boat's fuel tank for the transfer to work effectively.
- Alligator Clips and Wire: If you are using a 12v fuel pump, you may need alligator clips and wire to connect the pump to the boat's battery for power.
- Fuel Stabilizer: Although not a tool, a fuel stabilizer is an important substance to have. It neutralizes free radicals in the fuel, preventing engine issues and making it easier to restart the engine after storage.
Please note that the specific tools you need may vary depending on your boat's fuel system and personal preferences. Always refer to your boat's manual or seek professional advice if you are unsure about the draining process or the tools required.
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Frequently asked questions
The fuel tank in a boat is usually located on or near an aft gunwale or side deck. For small boats with small outboard motors and a portable gas tank, the fill is generally located on top of the tank itself.
Siphoning old gas out of a boat fuel tank can be done cheaply, depending on the type of fuel pump used. You can use a manual or electric pump, or siphon the gas using a hose.
It is important to drain old gas from your boat's fuel tank to prolong its life and keep the engine running smoothly. You can do this by using a fuel pump, such as the Seachoice pump, or by siphoning the gas.
Before fuelling your boat, extinguish any open flames, such as cigarettes, and ensure all passengers exit the boat and wait on shore. When fuelling at a pump, keep the gas nozzle against the rim of the filler pipe to reduce the risk of ignition due to static electricity.
