How to Refuel Your Boat

At the most basic level, refueling your boat isn’t that different from putting more gasoline in your car, but there are all kinds of extra factors to consider when it comes to safety and fuel selection. Even experienced boaters sometimes make mistakes, and that’s why the friendly experts at Nisswa Marine have created this guide to refueling your boat.

Safety First

Your boat has tons of little cracks and crevices where spilled fuel and vapors can collect and create a fire hazard. Even the tiniest of sparks can result in a massive blaze! For safety’s sake, shut off all electrical equipment before you start refueling. Check that your hose lines, engine fittings, and strainers are intact with no cracks or holes. All doors, windows, and hatches should be closed during the refueling process in order to keep gasoline fumes out.

Fuel Type

There are many, many different varieties of marine fuel on the market, some of which will be incompatible with your vessel’s engine. Consult your owner’s manual for more info on which types of fuel can be used and which cannot.

Tank Size

Boat fuel gauges tend to be a bit unreliable. The fuel tanks themselves are often a bit oddly shaped, and that’s why getting an accurate read on how much fuel you have left in your boat’s fuel tank is often difficult. When your boat’s tank is close to full, you should hear a particular sound. If conditions make listening for this sound too difficult, don’t forget that you don’t necessarily have to fill the tank all the way up every time.

Handling Spills

Spilled fuel should be cleaned up using a fuel-absorbent pad. Dish soap will remove the stain, but cause the fuel to sink to the bottom of the water and cause an environmental hazard.

Before Leaving

When the time comes to depart the refueling dock, open your doors, windows, and hatches one last time to make sure that no gasoline fumes remain. You can use a boat blower to help get rid of the vapors if you own one. You’ll also need to check your bilge and open your engine hatch. If you smell fumes, it’s not safe.

Shop our inventory of boats for sale at Nisswa Marine in Nisswa, Minnesota. We also carry boat parts/accessories and offer trade-ins, boat storage, financing, and servicing. We’re proud to serve communities like St. Cloud and Minneapolis, Minnesota, so come visit us soon!