Refuelling at sea

[cdhickey]

So I'm fairly confident with the safety precautions necessary when refuelling a gas powered boat at a fuel dock, but I am less sure of what the best practices are if one had to refuel at sea or on a mooring. To date this hasn't been an issue for me, but I can see scenarios when it may be necessary to use a jerry can to refill the tank between ports.

My thoughts would be that the process would be much the same- no sources of ignition, hatches closed, etc. What other precautions should be taken? Or is this just a terrible idea to even consider?

[ndutton]

Heh-heh, jerry cans are the ONLY way I fuel up. The precautions are the same as at the fuel dock.

[roadnsky]

Heh-heh, jerry cans are the ONLY way I fuel up. The precautions are the same as at the fuel dock.

+1
In fact, I would wholeheartedly argue that it is a much safer procedure.

[Trés 30]

If spillage is your concern (I also use the red cans) you could use a transfer pump like the one pictured.

Maybe also you could rig a reserve tank with a Y valve and a line directly to a removable, but secured, tank. Be sure to vent it properly. All safety rules (ventilation, no spark) apply x2.

[Mo]

Heh-heh, jerry cans are the ONLY way I fuel up. The precautions are the same as at the fuel dock.

+ another 1

[joe_db]

Refueling at sea implies to me that you are underway. This introduces a few complications.
1. Water in the fuel: If it is rough enough you'll get a lot of saltwater along with your fuel. With ethanol-crapgas this will make a mess not fixable by the water seperator.
2. Spillage: If it is rough, gas will go other places besides the tank.
3. Wind Direction: Typically the fuel fill is near the stern. Wind from aft will blow gas fumes into the cabin In this case a course change is best or at least shut the hatches.
4. Engine running: If all is well the engine can be running, but you have no margin at all for finding leaks or fumes before they are a real danger.

Refueling while anchored is a best case. You are into the wind and not underway.

[ArtJ]

My fill cap is located amidships on the port deck. I usually just take
a funnel and a new fangled home depot jug , take the crazy spout off and pour
into the funnel. I have done this at anchor successfully, no engine
running and at sea with wind and engine running. It seems as though
the breeze keeps fumes away. no open hatches or ports.
Would never do this at a fill dock.

[hanleyclifford]

When traveling the ICW to Florida I have no choice but to visit fuel docks though with my three tank (total 46 gal) capacity I can pick and choose. I used to carry fuel jugs on deck (port and starboard) but when you do that you look like exactly what you are - a "floater". But I do like to have the ability to buy gasoline from a land fuel station (South Mills Lock is a good example) so I devised a removable 6 gal tank complete with quick disconnects for fuel and vent and an independent shut off valve. I never refuel underway; you never know when a stink pot will roar by and lay a wake on you.

[Vermont30]

This happened yesterday where I get my pump outs....

http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/home/2014/08/03/hospitalized-charlotte-boat-explodes/13551445/

[sastanley]

Help for new fangled spouts

I found a small company in Hawaii (on ebay) that sells little vents for jerry cans. This helps the s-l-o-w spouts that 'vent themselves' tremendously and you get much better flow. Most of my jerry cans have these now, and each time I empty one, I add a vent cap. I still have a couple old school jerry cans without the stupid spouts too.

Here is a link to his store - http://stores.ebay.com/Gas-Spouts-Pl...p2047675.l2563

[Sea Haven]

Best filling "tool" ever!

Been on the hook for quite some time.
A couple of 5 Gal cans and a Hopkins hose:
Hopkins (HPK10801)
Shaker Siphon
No worries regarding the new "push to pour" spouts on the newer cans since you remove it altogether and siphon directly from the can to your gas fill.
After following ALL the same recommended fueling procedures that you would at the dock: (Close Ports/Hatches etc)
1-Place the fill end in your fill opening.
2-The end with the metal and marble into the gas can.
3-Shake it up and down a few times quickly to get it started.
4-Sit back and watch it empty the Gas can in no time.
5-Pull the can end out to let whatever's in the hose finish into your tank.
6-Let the Hopkins air dry before storing it.
After completion, again follow ALL the same recommended fueling procedures that you would at the dock: (Open Ports/Hatches, run blower etc)
I have NEVER spilled a drop on my Pearson 323.
Of course check local Law Authority regarding the legality of fueling at your mooring. All you need is a pissed off mooring neighbor calling "Five-O" down on you.
I absolutely love the Hopkins, and you're not constrained to any particular gas can or fill spout. It's amazing how easy and fast it works.
"Sub" Ed

[lat 64]

Question:
Why do you guys close hatches and ports during fuel up?

[joe_db]

To keep gas fumes out of the boat

Question:
Why do you guys close hatches and ports during fuel up?

[romantic comedy]

Russ, the gas fumes are heavier then air. Picture the fumes rolling across the boat down hill. The idea is to keep them from finding their way below.

After fill up, before starting the engine, open the hatches and ventilate.

[lat 64]

Thanks, it all makes sense but I guess never did that because my fill port is outside of deep coamings and anything liquid or heavier than air would go overboard. That said, I make a more-than-usuall and rigorous sniff around the bilge before starting up at the gas dock. The attendants never give anyone grief about going through a check list. I have seen them watch me and smile.

I'll review my procedure. It might change.

Russ