Boat refueling

[Troubled1]

I’ve been boating for the better part of 50 years. All my boats up until recently had used portable fuel tanks so refueling was never really an issue. My current boat has a built in fuel tank and the lake I’m at does not have dockside fuel service or a gas station at all. For the last year it wasn’t bad as I always pulled my boat out of the lake before heading home.

I now have a slip I rent so I have to refuel with jerry cans. This past weekend I had to fuel up the boat so I brought my fuel to the dock, spun the boat around and was able to fill it. I was able to get the 2 fuel containers emptied without any spillage but as we all know, things can happen whether it’s a broken filler spout, losing balance etc.

Now I don’t plan on keeping my current boat as I picked up a nice Starcraft Holiday with an I/o. The filler will definitely be more of a challenge on this boat than my current one. My solution for now is I bought a low pressure electric fuel pump that I will mount under the splash well, wire it into the electrical system and use a key operated waterproof switch to control the pump. My reasoning is, it’s a lot easier to pump the fuel than to lift the fuel cans. There is less chance of spillage and when transferred to the other boat I would have a spare fuel pump in the event that the mechanical pump on the engine stops working. It can also be used to transfer fuel to a stranded boater if the need arises.

That’s my solution to fueling my inboard fuel tank with no dockside fueling available. What have you done to make it easier on yourselves?

 

[JASinIL2006]

We refuel from jerry cans all the time at our cabin (no gas dock on the lake there). The best thing I've found is a Jiggler; it's a hose with a device on the end that allows you to quickly and easily start a siphon that empties your gas can fairly quickly. You can find Jiggler-like devices at many places including WalMart and Amazon. Just google "Jiggler siphon" or search on Amazon. There is even a 'Super Jiggler' that uses a larger hose and works more quickly.

We have several of these and they work very well; as the jerry can empties, you can tip it so the gas goes into a corner and the Jiggler will siphon almost all of it up, leaving only a few ounces. It's super easy to use and very handy.

 

[demarko210]

I purchase this device from Amazon to cycle gas in/out my tank after setting over the winter to separate the water. Its a simple fuel pump kit that is powered by a 12v battery. I added a fuel water separator to the line to remove the water and I let it cycle for about about hour depending on how much fuel I left in the tank over the winter. I am sure you can use this to pump your fuel from the dock.

 

[tpenfield]

I am not keen on using electric pumps for fueling, Maybe manual pumps. Also, you should not have any electricity active during fueling. So maybe something to think about . . .

I usually fuel the boat a few times a year at its mooring, instead of going to the fuel dock, which is about 5 miles away. (and would use about 7 gallons of fuel round-trip for my boat).

When I do fill at the boat mooring, I have an assortment of funnels and rags to avoid any spillage into the water. So far, so good.

 

[demarko210]

I am not keen on using electric pumps for fueling, Maybe manual pumps. Also, you should not have any electricity active during fueling. So maybe something to think about . . .

I agree with you there. I thought about that when I was evaluating it. When I wired it, I used a 20ft duplex 16ga wire and when in use I am on the boat and trailer while the battery is on the ground (not engine/house battery). I only used it to run my old fuel out into fuel water separator and filter and right back into the tank.

 

[Lou C]

If you have a slip and a dock a gas caddy with wheels can work well. We have one we use at home if there is a power outage to fuel the generator. Also as far as gas cans the only ones I’d use today are the SK Racing cans with vents and the optional long spout. These are expensive but are 10 times better than the horrible ventless EPA cans sold widely.

 

[Chris1956]

The problem with gas caddys is that they hold 12 gal. They are heavy to lift into the trunk of the car after filling, and out again. They then take 2 hands to drag to the boat.

I find 5 or 6 gal Jerry cans better. They pack more tightly in the trunk, are half the weight and you can carry 2 of them from car to boat, which is about the same capacity. Just my preference.

A friend of mine had a 50G steel drum that he put in the bed of his truck, in chocks. He found a Gas station that would fill it in the truck bed. He would then drive to the marina and unroll a 50' hose. Gravity would fill the boat tank as the parking lot was higher.

 

[Cortes100]

I have one of these 20L containers with the syphon handle on the end. Works great around the house too for lawn mowers, etc. There's different versions, sizes, some with wheels, etc. Pump the handle a couple times and the fuel will syphon into tank. Let go of handle and flow will stop. Nice thing is you don't have to hold the can up. Just place it above the boat filler cap and let gravity do the rest.

 

[Scott Danforth]

fuel caddy with a pump. https://www.amazon.com/ARKSEN-Portable-Transfer-30-Gallons-Capacity/dp/B00BM87YFI

 

[Troubled1]

I am not keen on using electric pumps for fueling, Maybe manual pumps. Also, you should not have any electricity active during fueling. So maybe something to think about . . .

I usually fuel the boat a few times a year at its mooring, instead of going to the fuel dock, which is about 5 miles away. (and would use about 7 gallons of fuel round-trip for my boat).

When I do fill at the boat mooring, I have an assortment of funnels and rags to avoid any spillage into the water. So far, so good.

I’ll have to disagree on not having live electricity. I have to have power to keep an eye on my fuel gauge. I’ve had fuel pour out the vent at a gas station and definitely don’t want a repeat on the water. A properly wired in fuel pump is just as safe as the blower used to evacuate built up fumes in the engine compartment. Most modern vehicles have the fuel pump built into the sending unit inside the gas tanks.
My pump will be wired into the boat with a remotely mounted key operated switch to prevent it from being accidentally turned on. In my boat with the I/o, the blower is also on while I refuel and a fire extinguisher is always close at hand.
a caddy would be an option if my slip wasn’t at the bottom of a very long steep set of stairs. I’m in Canada so I can still buy the 5 gallon vented gas cans so if I absolutely had to, I could fill from the dock but then I would be contending waves/wake. Things would be so much easier if the filler cap was on the topside instead of on the stern. I have thought about getting another fuel filler, a gasoline safe “Y” connector and adding a second filler cap on the topside.

 

[JASinIL2006]

I thought having a blower on while refueling was a big no-no...

You run the risk of drawing heavier-than-air fuel vapors into the bilge.

For me, no electricity at all is the rule for refueling. No blowers, no electric fuel pumps, nothing.

 

[nola mike]

Most modern vehicles have the fuel pump built into the sending unit inside the gas tanks.

These are submerged, no vapors to ignite.
I'd at least do a marine fuel pump.
I have regular jerry cans that i put vents into (you can buy 10 for $5 or something, drill a small hole in the can and pop them in). Use a large funnel, remove spout from jerry can and pour away. The vent makes the gas come out smooth without burping and splashing.

@JASinIL2006 : Super jiggler. Hee hee.

 

[bruceb58]

I just bought one of these. Works great to get gas out of jerry cans.

Amazon.com: TERAPUMP 4th Gen - Fuel Transfer Pump/No More Gas Can Lifting, Fits numerous Gas Cans (Advanced Auto-Stop Sensor and Flexible in and Out Take Hose): Automotive

Buy TERAPUMP 4th Gen - Fuel Transfer Pump/No More Gas Can Lifting, Fits numerous Gas Cans (Advanced Auto-Stop Sensor and Flexible in and Out Take Hose): Hand Fuel Pumps - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

smile.amazon.com

 

[H20Rat]

These are submerged, no vapors to ignite.

Yep, unless your tank is less than half full. In-tank pumps are usually pretty close to the top of the tank.

 

[Lou C]

I thought having a blower on while refueling was a big no-no...

You run the risk of drawing heavier-than-air fuel vapors into the bilge.

For me, no electricity at all is the rule for refueling. No blowers, no electric fuel pumps, nothing.

Agreed no blower on when refueling and all hatches closed. Then after you’re done open engine hatch sniff for fumes and run blower for 4 min. If the fresh air intake is on the same side as your gas fill it is possible that running the blower could pull in fumes. The exhaust exit (vent that is connected to the blower) should be on the same side as the gas fill not the fresh air intake.

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

I’ll have to disagree on not having live electricity. I have to have power to keep an eye on my fuel gauge. I’ve had fuel pour out the vent at a gas station and definitely don’t want a repeat on the water. A properly wired in fuel pump is just as safe as the blower used to evacuate built up fumes in the engine compartment. Most modern vehicles have the fuel pump built into the sending unit inside the gas tanks.
My pump will be wired into the boat with a remotely mounted key operated switch to prevent it from being accidentally turned on. In my boat with the I/o, the blower is also on while I refuel and a fire extinguisher is always close at hand.
a caddy would be an option if my slip wasn’t at the bottom of a very long steep set of stairs. I’m in Canada so I can still buy the 5 gallon vented gas cans so if I absolutely had to, I could fill from the dock but then I would be contending waves/wake. Things would be so much easier if the filler cap was on the topside instead of on the stern. I have thought about getting another fuel filler, a gasoline safe “Y” connector and adding a second filler cap on the topside.

I've had the same problem with gas spilling out the vent. I found and bought a whistle that gets installed in the vent hose. When filling you hear when it gets close to full and when it stops whistling. I haven't spilled any since.

Fuel Whistle — Green Marine Products

A simple device to prevent accidental spillages whilst refueling This unique patented product has been designed to give an audible warning to prevent fuel spills during the refueling of your boat. This helps prevent marine pollution and ensures that your topsides and deck are kept free from spill

www.greenmarineproducts.com

 

[Troubled1]

I've had the same problem with gas spilling out the vent. I found and bought a whistle that gets installed in the vent hose. When filling you hear when it gets close to full and when it stops whistling. I haven't spilled any since.

Fuel Whistle — Green Marine Products

A simple device to prevent accidental spillages whilst refueling This unique patented product has been designed to give an audible warning to prevent fuel spills during the refueling of your boat. This helps prevent marine pollution and ensures that your topsides and deck are kept free from spill

www.greenmarineproducts.com

That looks perfect for my needs.