Fueling Tips For All Boaters

General Fuel Tips

• Fuel slowly to prevent overflows from the air vent. Avoid “topping off” the tank.
• Don’t rely on the automatic shut-off nozzle to prevent spills; they don’t shut off in time.
• Leave the tank at least 10 percent empty to give room for fuel expansion.
• Keep “oil-only” absorbents on hand to catch spills and drips from the nozzle, air vent, and fuel filler fitting. Use Earth911 to find out where to dispose of absorbent pads.

Fueling Tips For Built-in Tanks

• Install a fuel/air separator in the air vent line to prevent spills or “splash back.”
• When filling, keep your hand at the air vent or listen—air gushes when nearly full.
• At the end of the season, leave the tank full to reduce corrosion and condensation. Add fuel stabilizer to prevent stale gas.

Fueling Outboard Engines

• Fuel on land whenever possible.
• Use funnels to fill portable tanks and oil absorbents to catch spills.
• Prevent stale gas by leaving outboards empty during long periods of inactivity.