10 Tips for Safely Refuelling Your Boat — Dry Dock Marine Lake Cowichan BC

Temperatures are rising and boating season is here. Knowing how to safely refuel your boat is something every captain should master. These boat refuelling tips from the DDM Group team in Lake Cowichan BC cover the essentials — and a few extras you may not have considered.

10 Boat Refuelling Safety Tips

  1. Check your owner’s manual — review your fueling requirements and safety procedures before heading to the pump.

  2. Choose the right fuel grade — always use the appropriate octane rating for your engine.

  3. Watch your ethanol levels — fuels with more than 10% ethanol can damage your engine. Use the correct fuel every time.

  4. Stay at the pump — never leave while refuelling. On the water, all passengers should disembark during the process.

  5. Eliminate distractions — put your phone away. No eating or tending to other tasks while fueling up.

  6. Don’t top up the tank — stop when the pump clicks off. Overfilling causes fuel to spill from your vent line. Use your dash fuel gauge as a guide.

  7. Wipe up any spills immediately — keep a rag handy. On the water, be extra careful not to spill fuel overboard.

  8. Open hatches and ports — vent out any fuel vapour before starting your engine. Check the bilge and engine compartment as part of your pre-trip checklist.

  9. Run your blower for 4 minutes — this clears any lingering fuel vapour before you turn the key.

  10. Carry enough fuel — always bring more than you think you need. Running out on the water is costly and dangerous.

Save Money on Fuel This Season

Before launching for the season, fill up on land. Gas prices on land are almost always cheaper than at a marina. In addition, high-octane fuel is more commonly available at land-based stations. As a result, fueling up before you launch can save you significant money over the summer.

Furthermore, when storing your boat for the off-season, fill the tank completely and add the appropriate amount of fuel stabilizer. This prevents fuel from going bad and eliminates condensation forming inside the tank.

👉 Find on-water fuel stations on the BC west coast at Boaters Blue Pages