Possibly a Fuelish Question

[MicroKap]

For those of us that will be winterizing up here in the Northeast in a couple of months, is there any problem with not topping off the fuel tanks for the winter if the boat is stored in the water, uncovered?

Larry K.
1980 60' Sportfish
Monmouth Beach, NJ

 

[MikeP]

No. I've been leaving boat fuel tanks in whatever state of fill they were in for the past 4 years up here (Long Island). Last year it was less than 1/4 tank. I've done the same with cars for a large number of years - it makes no difference condensation wise. But add fuel stabilizer.

For more info on the condensation thing, read: http://www.yachtsurvey.com/myth_of_condensation_in_fuel_tanks.htm

 

[Freestyle]

Storing 500 gallons of diesel may be a good way to save $500 if prices continue to climb. Then again...

 

[Traveler 45C]

Store it. Next year put it up on Ebay.

You can then retire…

 

[Capt K]

Based upon recent events, I think it's a better than even chance that diesel fuel will be less expensive next spring than it is now. If not, we may not be using it anyways!

For the rest of this season, I'll be fueling on an "as needed" basis. This will keep the boat lighter too, leaving more room for the Bombay Sapphire!

K

 

[MikeP]

K reminds me of my street racer days...I NEVER had more than 1/4 tank of fuel in the car. Any more was just extra weight and wasted HP! And actually, it makes equal sense on the boat if you know how much fuel you really need to go where you are going. Same with airliners nowadays. They no longer fly with full fuel. They only fly with the minimum necessary for the flight plus the necessary reserve - no more. The more fuel you have on board, the more power (fuel) is necessary to carry it around.
Makes no sense from a const-benefit viewpoint.

 

[Capt K]

On an old 1965 50' MY with 871n's, every pound sure helps! Just not carrying the 900# Sea Doo Explorer on top anymore has made the past few years better cruising ones for us.

Less is more! You have to push all that extra weight around no matter what.

We'll see what the future brings for us.

As the good Dr. was saying tho, fuel is still not one of the biggest expenses, but it certainly is getting to be a major pain in the a$!$#@$@ss.

K

 

[Bob Bradley]

Unfortunately, I tried that approach last fall when diesel hit the ungodly price of about $1.99 where I fuel up. I figured I'd leave it with a quarter tank all winter and buy it cheap in the spring. So much for that idea.