A Few Tips for Safely Refueling Your Boat
Even though most of us cringe when we see today’s gas prices, nothing’s too good for boats! They’re our pride and joy, and they’re happiest when they’re on the water. Fueling up your boat is more or less the same process as fueling up any other vehicle, but there are a few extra details to remember. Here’s a quick guide to proper boat refueling. If you have any questions, visit Thayer's Marine. We’re located in Norwich, Connecticut and we serve Springfield, Massachusetts and Norwich, Connecticut.
Filling Up on the Water
We’ve been filling up the gas tanks on our cars for years and already know the standard safety procedures. You shouldn’t have the engine running and you should give filling your tank your full attention. This means not talking on your phone and keeping your eyes on the nozzle. You definitely don’t want to have a cigarette in your mouth or be near any open flames. Keep your children and anyone else who isn’t helping you fill up out of the way.
Secure your boat to the dock, and make sure to keep the nozzle steady and in contact with the edge of the fill. Excess friction can create static and sparks. Don’t overfill your tank, because fuel expands as it gets hotter and can create vapor locks. Be sure that you know the capacity of your fuel tank and fill it to about 90%. Clean up any fuel spills on the bilge or on the interior right away. Be sure to use an oil-only absorbent pad. Don’t forget to tighten your gas cap securely.
Filling Up at a Gas Station
If you’re filling up with your boat on the trailer, be sure that it’s level. This will help the fuel go in more easily and minimize splashing and spills. It’s much easier to adjust the position of the boat on the trailer when you take out than when you’re on land, but you can adjust your bunks, rollers or your trailer hitch if the boat has shifted in transit. Make sure that you can observe both the deckfill and the nozzle comfortably at all times. If you’re “vertically challenged,” you can climb in or carry a small stepladder.
How to Safely Fill a Portable Container
If you can’t get your boat level, you might be better off using jerry cans. Whatever the situation, it’s important to refill your portable fuel containers on the pavement or dock. It’s not safe to fill them in your truck bed, because there’s a higher risk of static or sparks. Always store portable fuel tanks in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
For more information and to see our current inventory of new and pre-owned boats for sale, visi Thayer's Marine in Norwich, Connecticut. We serve boaters and anglers in Springfield, Massachusetts and Norwich, Connecticut and surrounding areas.