Enough gas to get back to the ramp

[HRG]

Regarding outboard motors with a portable gas tank. How do you insure that you have enough gas to get back to the ramp?

Make a mark halfway on the tank and keep an eye on the gas level?
Bring another container of gas?

Thanks.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Regarding outboard motors with a portable gas tank. How do you insure that you have enough gas to get back to the ramp?

Make a mark halfway on the tank and keep an eye on the gas level?
Bring another container of gas?

Thanks.

with any boat, regardless of portable tank or built-in tank

you use the rule of 1/3'rds

1/3 the fuel to get where you are going
1/3 the fuel to get back
1/3 the fuel as reserve because wind/current/etc.

so at 1/3 of the tank used, or just under 3/8 of a tank, turn around and head back.

 

[HRG]

with any boat, regardless of portable tank or built-in tank

you use the rule of 1/3'rds

1/3 the fuel to get where you are going
1/3 the fuel to get back
1/3 the fuel as reserve because wind/current/etc.

so at 1/3 of the tank used, or just under 3/8 of a tank, turn around and head back.

Ah, makes sense. Thanks!

 

[racerone]

Back in the day I used to be on 17' boat.----A 1966 mode 100 HP Johnson.-----3 full 6 gallon tanks.-----When you plugged in the 3rd tank it was 2 more skiers.----And we were heading to the pump.-----With a built in tank you would want to make sure your gauge is accurate.

 

[Sprig]

When I had boats that had portable tanks I always carried a second tank. They were either the same size as my primary tank or slightly smaller. Never ran out of gas and never worried about it. Otherwise as mentioned above definitely use the 1/3 rule.

 

[909]

Range anxiety is very real !

You can get a feel for what's left in your reserve by lifting the tank periodically .

You'll know when it's starting to feel too light and its time to head back.