Engines, fuel, and fuel lines. The
common fuels for recreational power vessels
are gasoline and diesel. Gasoline is the more
commonly used in recreational vessels; however,
it is more volatile than diesel. Being
more volatile, gasoline fuel use includes
mandatory, powered ventilation for closed
compartments and backfire flame arrestors
on engines, except for outboards. Be aware
of any fuel leakage or potential weakness in
the fuel system. Make sure that the backfire
flame arrestor is clean, properly secured to
the carburetor, and that fuel supply lines are
not cracked or loose.
Routine Maintenance. Follow the
owner’s manual for regular maintenance
on the boat and equipment; this will pay
off by minimizing problems afloat. Look at
Table 3-2 for some tips.
FUELING
Gasoline vapors are heavier than air and
will settle into the bilge of a boat. The
Section 3: Going Boating 35
vapors are highly explosive when mixed
with air. (Diesel fuel, while still a hazard, is
less dangerous than gasoline.) Prevent gasoline,
either liquid or vapor, from getting
into your bilge.
Fueling can be the most hazardous
part of your day on the water. Follow a few
simple rules and you will minimize the risk.
Check the condition of your tanks,
hoses, and fuel line connections several
times during the season. Look for corrosion,
loose fittings, and soft, cracked or brittle
hoses. If you have any doubts, replace
the questionable parts immediately. This is
especially true of older or used boats with
an unknown maintenance history. Most
gasoline fuels now contain “ethanol” which
may deteriorate synthetic fuel hoses and gaskets.
Make sure your gasoline-powered boat
has ethanol-resistant fuel system components.
Be sure that your fuel system is what
was intended for your boat by its manufacturer;
it may have been modified. If in
doubt, check with your dealer or the man-
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Table 3-3. Safe Fueling Checklists
Before-Fueling Checklist
Fuel in daylight, if possible.
Tie your boat securely to the fuel dock.
Extinguish all flames, such as cigarettes, pipes, lamps,
galley stoves.
Shut off engines and any electrical equipment that might
create a spark, including blowers and radios.
Close all windows, ports, doors, hatches.
Have an operable fire extinguisher close by.
Have crew and passengers not needed for fueling go
ashore.
While-Fueling Checklist
T ake portable tanks out of the boat and fill them on the
dock. Warning! Never fill a portable fuel tank while it is
on the non-metallic bed of a pickup truck. Static electricity
will build up and ignite the fuel. Remove the tank from
the truck and refill it on the ground.
Keep the pump nozzle in constant metal-to metal
contact with the filler pipe to eliminate the chance
of static electricity causing a spark and igniting fuel
vapor.
Estimate the amount of fuel needed and listen to the
sound of the entering fuel. With experience you will be
able to tell when the tank is nearly full.
After-Fueling Checklist
(Before Starting Your Engines)
Close fuel filler pipe openings.
Wipe up any spillage. Leave the wipers ashore never
on the boat or in the bilge.”
Open all closed compartments and turn on the bilge
Sniff in the tank and engine compartments for gasoline
vapors.
Start your engines and leave the dock as soon as you
are sure there is no hazard. It is not courteous or safe
to linger.
blower for four (4) minutes.
you
safe
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