- Turn off the boat engine before filling the tank
- Don’t fill the tank completely
- Take measures to avoid fuel spillage and overflow
- Disembark passengers
Filling the fuel tank of a boat is one very common thing every boat owner has to accomplish. While this is a common thing for boats, it can also be dangerous if done recklessly. What safety precaution should you take while filling the fuel tank of a gasoline-powered boat?
In this brief guide, we’ll discuss some of the most important safety precautions you should know about and never overlook. Keep reading to learn more and keep you and your boat safe.
Table of Contents
Safety Precautions
1. Turn off the boat engine before filling the fuel tank
Turning the boat engine off before filling the fuel tank will allow the fuel to settle in properly. Having the engine off also reduces the risk of fire.
Also, turn off all other equipment on the boat to manage other factors that may affect the condition of the fuel in the tank, especially those that may ignite flammable material.
2. Don’t fill the gasoline tank completely
It’s better to consider around 90% of the tank as its maximum capacity; do not go over this limit. Fuel tends to expand in different situations, and it is safer to account for this expansion. At least 10% of the tank in allowance should suffice.
Also, allow a few minutes for fuel to settle.
3. Take necessary measures to avoid fuel spillage and overflow
A few easy ways to minimize the risk of spilling and overflowing fuel are: placing and properly securing the fuel tank cap, and keeping the boat still and secure while filling the fuel tank. It’s also a good idea to remove portable tanks from the boat before filling and place them on a level surface.
4. Have all passengers step off the boat before filling the tank
Have all passengers disembark before filling the fuel tank. This will make it easier to deal with any problem that may arise. It also puts everyone out of harm’s way.
This may seem like a hassle, but always put safety first.
Conclusion
Now you know how easy and simple it is to keep you and your boat safe when filling the fuel tank of your boat. These are such small things that many people tend to overlook, but remember to always prioritize safety so we can all enjoy our time on the boat.
If you know anyone wondering what safety precaution should you take while filling the fuel tank of a gasoline-powered boat, please share this with them to keep them safe as well.
Remember to always boat safely.
“I am James Harvey – founder of Boating Basics Online. It is established with the drive to help out first-time boaters, which are those desiring to explore their way through the water. So if you are new to boating, start from here with me. “