Mercedes Mullins
There are differing opinions on whether a boat's fuel tank should be full when winterizing. Some sources recommend leaving the tank almost full, with just enough space for the fuel to expand if the temperature rises. This method prevents condensation from forming inside the tank. However, others argue that keeping the tank full can lead to condensation and fuel spewing out of the vent when the fuel expands. Instead, they suggest keeping the tank as empty as possible and using a fuel stabilizer to prevent issues during long-term storage. The decision may depend on various factors, such as the type of fuel, the climate, and the boat's fuel tank and vent design.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel tank level for winterizing | Opinions vary, with some sources recommending a full tank, and others advising to leave the tank empty or partially full. |
| Reasons for a full tank | Filling the tank displaces air, preventing condensation and the absorption of moisture, which can cause corrosion. This is especially important for aluminium tanks. |
| Reasons for an empty tank | Leaving space in the tank prevents fuel from spilling out when it expands in warming temperatures. |
| Fuel stabilizers | Recommended for long-term storage, especially during winter. |
| Fuel type | Gasoline without ethanol is preferable as ethanol absorbs water, leading to corrosion and potential engine damage. |
| Tank vent | Ensure the tank vent is angled down and aftward to prevent water ingress. |
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What You'll Learn
The benefits of a full tank
Marine engine manufacturers and technicians advise storing any boat with the fuel tank almost full. Leaving the tank full saves you from the trouble of having to empty the tank. This also displaces any air in the tank and eliminates the opportunity for condensation to form inside the tank while the boat is being stored. The normal diurnal cycle of rising and falling temperatures causes any air left in the fuel tank to expand and contract. The tank “breathes” through its vent, drawing in air that is often very damp in the winter months. The moisture in that air can be absorbed by the fuel if it is an ethanol blend (E10) or condense on the sides of the tank, especially if the tank is metal. This is especially common in aluminium boats, which attract condensation.
Untreated fuel left in carburetors can quickly oxidize and leave behind deposits that can cause issues in the next season. Modern gasoline, especially gas that contains ethanol, can begin to go sour in just a few weeks. It’s a good practice to stabilize boat fuel all season. If you have a smaller boat with a portable tank, use that to mix stabilized fuel and run it through the motor. Come next season, you can start boating again with the stabilized fuel that’s in the boat.
Leaving the tank full also reduces the amount of space in the tank for gasoline vapour to collect. Gasoline doesn’t burn in liquid form; it’s the gasoline vapour that can ignite and create a catastrophic fire aboard your stored boat. Minimizing the air space in the tank also decreases the space available for vapours to collect.
Additionally, filling the tank before winterizing can help to prevent water from ruining your gasoline. This will decrease the volume of airspace so the tank can’t “breathe in” as much damaging moist air, and leaves less space on tank walls for condensation to form.
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The drawbacks of a full tank
While storing a boat with a full tank of gas has its benefits, there are several drawbacks to consider. Firstly, cost implications may arise, especially if your boat has a large fuel tank. Filling up a large tank can be expensive, and this cost may outweigh the benefits of a full tank, especially if fuel prices are high.
Secondly, although a full tank reduces the opportunity for condensation, it does not eliminate it entirely. Water can still accumulate in the tank due to condensation or water intrusion, and this can cause significant issues. If phase separation occurs, the ethanol-water mixture sinks to the bottom of the tank, leading to potential engine damage when the boat is started. Additionally, while a full tank can help maintain fuel quality, it does not prevent fuel degradation. Over time, gasoline can deteriorate, forming varnish and gum that clogs fuel lines and carburetors, causing performance issues.
Another drawback is the risk associated with ethanol in the fuel. Ethanol can absorb water, leading to potential engine damage. While fuel stabilizers can mitigate this risk to an extent, they do not entirely prevent it. Therefore, regularly inspecting the fuel system for any signs of wear or damage is crucial when storing a boat with a full tank of gas.
Lastly, the specific climate conditions can impact the effectiveness of storing a boat with a full tank. In varying temperature and humidity climates, condensation and moisture issues may be more prevalent, affecting the fuel and the boat. Therefore, it is essential to consider the local climate when deciding whether to fill the fuel tank for winterizing.
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The benefits of an empty tank
While there are differing opinions on whether a boat's fuel tank should be full or empty during winterizing, here are some benefits of keeping the fuel tank empty:
Firstly, an empty tank minimizes condensation build-up. Condensation occurs when moisture-laden air from the outside comes into contact with the tank's inner walls, particularly in cold weather. By keeping the tank empty, there is less exposed surface area for condensation to form, reducing the likelihood of phase separation. This is especially beneficial for aluminum tanks, as aluminum attracts condensation and can lead to corrosion and other issues.
Secondly, an empty tank reduces the risk of fuel degradation. Ethanol-blended fuels, such as E10, are hygroscopic and hydrophilic, meaning they attract and absorb water molecules. When left unused during winter storage, the absorbed water can cause ethanol fuel to separate, forming a layer of water/ethanol at the bottom of the tank. This water/ethanol mixture can cause corrosion and damage fuel system components, such as injectors and carburetors.
Additionally, an empty tank can help prevent fuel expansion issues. When temperatures rise, the fuel in a full tank may expand, leading to potential leaks or overflow. By keeping the tank empty, there is space for the fuel to expand without causing damage or creating a fire hazard.
Furthermore, an empty tank allows for the use of fuel stabilizers. Stabilizers can be added to the tank to prevent fuel oxidation and maintain fuel quality during long-term storage. This is especially important for smaller boats with portable tanks, as the stabilized fuel can be run through the motor before the boating season begins.
Lastly, an empty tank reduces the potential for gasoline vapors to collect. Gasoline vapors can ignite and create a fire hazard, especially in enclosed spaces. By minimizing the fuel level, the air space in the tank is reduced, lowering the risk of vapor accumulation and subsequent ignition.
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The drawbacks of an empty tank
While opinions vary on whether a boat's fuel tank should be full or empty during winterizing, there are several drawbacks to keeping the tank empty.
Firstly, an empty tank provides more space for condensation to form. When a boat is stored outdoors or in an unheated building, the normal diurnal cycle of rising and falling temperatures can cause any air left in the fuel tank to expand and contract. This can lead to condensation forming inside the tank, which can cause issues such as corrosion and deposits. By keeping the tank full, there is less space for condensation to form, and the fuel displaces any air in the tank, reducing the opportunity for condensation.
Secondly, an empty fuel tank may be more susceptible to water intrusion. While condensation is a concern, water can also enter the tank through intrusion. A full tank provides less opportunity for water to accumulate, as there is minimal exchange of outside air through the vent due to the small gaseous volume in the tank. With an empty tank, there is more space for water to enter and accumulate, potentially causing issues with the fuel system.
Additionally, untreated fuel left in an empty tank can oxidize and cause deposits, leading to potential headaches in the next season. Modern gasoline, especially ethanol-blended fuel, can go sour within a few weeks. By keeping the tank full and adding a fuel stabilizer, the risk of untreated fuel causing issues is reduced.
Furthermore, storing a boat with an empty fuel tank may be less convenient and more wasteful. Filling the tank before winterizing ensures that the boat has a full tank of gas to start off the new season, saving time and effort in the spring. Additionally, some people choose to pump out the fuel from an almost empty tank, leading to waste and additional costs.
Lastly, an empty fuel tank may be less cost-effective in the long run. While some people argue that storing a boat with an empty tank saves money on fuel costs, others point out that the cost of dealing with potential issues, such as condensation or water intrusion, may outweigh the initial savings. Additionally, the cost of fuel stabilizers and other additives should be considered, as these may be necessary to maintain the fuel system and prevent issues during winterizing.
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Fuel additives
It is important to add a marine-grade boat fuel stabilizer to your boat's fuel tank before storing it for the winter. This is especially crucial for boats with gasoline outboard, sterndrive, or inboard engines equipped with a carburetor. Untreated fuel left in carburetors can quickly oxidize, leading to deposits and issues for the next season.
The addition of a fuel stabilizer additive helps to prevent the formation of condensation in the fuel tank, which can cause water to accumulate at the bottom, leading to corrosion and fouling of the fuel system. This is a common issue with ethanol-blended fuels, as ethanol has a strong chemical attraction to water. Therefore, it is recommended to use gasoline without ethanol if available.
There are several effective fuel additives available on the market, such as:
- Sta-Bil Storage fuel stabilizer: It is widely available and has been trusted by boaters for decades. Sta-Bil Marine combats the negative effects of ethanol-blended fuels and effectively removes water.
- Gas-Shok: It controls and disperses water in boat fuel tanks, protects seals and gaskets from ethanol damage, restores lost fuel economy, stabilizes all gasoline blends, and extends fuel-pump life. However, it may not be readily available in all markets.
- Bell Performance Mix-I-Go, Dee-Zol, Marine MXO, or Marine Dee-zol: These additives are specifically designed to control water buildup and keep the fuel fresh during long-term storage.
When adding a fuel stabilizer additive, it is recommended to follow the instructions on the product label. Additionally, it is important to plan your late-season boating to use up most of the current fuel before adding the additive and filling the tank with fresh fuel for storage.
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Frequently asked questions
Marine engine manufacturers and technicians advise storing any boat with the fuel tank almost full, leaving just a little capacity to accommodate the expansion of the fuel. This is to prevent condensation from forming inside the tank. However, some people argue that it is better to keep the tank as empty as possible.
Keeping the tank full displaces any air in the tank and eliminates the opportunity for condensation to form inside the tank. This is especially important if your tank is made of aluminium, as aluminium attracts condensation.
The argument for an empty fuel tank is largely based on defunct fuel formulas and is therefore outdated. However, some people still prefer to keep their tanks empty and use fuel stabilizers to prevent condensation.
The best way to prevent condensation is to fill the tank with fresh fuel just before it’s prepared for storage and add a marine-grade fuel stabilizer. This will keep the fuel fresh for the months ahead.
Yes, here are some additional tips:
- Use gasoline that does not contain ethanol if that product is available where you live.
- Check your owner’s manual for the long-term storage routine specified for your engine and follow those instructions.
- If you have a smaller boat with a portable tank, use that to mix stabilized fuel and run it through the motor.
