5 Tips to Fuel Your Boat Safely 🚤✔️
If you’ve never owned a boat, you may think refueling it is as easy as filling a car tank. Refueling boats is a little more complicated than simply pulling up to a gas dock. Even seasoned boaters sometimes end up making costly mistakes, like mistaking the water or waste valve for the gas tank.
With gas prices being the lowest they have in years, we at Kelly’s Port want to make sure that our clients know the proper way to refuel their boats. For more information or to refuel right on the lake, come to our gas dock at the Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri. To see our collection of pre-owned or new boats, head to our location in Osage Beach!
Fuel Type
When you get to the boat gas station, the first thing you’ll be asked is: gas or diesel? People are often so used to fueling other vehicles that many of them end up filling the wrong kind of fuel in their tanks. Ensure you don’t end up saying ‘gas up’ if you want diesel fuel and vice versa. When an attendant at the gas dock passes you the nozzle, check to see you’re getting the fuel you need. This simple step can save you needless expenses.
Showroom: 3545 Osage Beach Parkway
With gas prices being the lowest they have in years, we at Kelly’s Port want to make sure that our clients know the proper way to refuel their boats. For more information or to refuel right on the lake, come to our gas dock at the Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri. To see our collection of pre-owned or new boats, head to our location in Osage Beach!
Safety First
Boats have many cracks and crevices where spilled gas and vapors can collect, which may lead to an explosion, so you have to be extra careful when refueling. When you reach the fuel dock, ask the passengers to disembark and turn off all electric equipment. Check the hose lines, engine fitting, and strainers for any cracks or wear and tear. Saltwater is corrosive and can damage your boat’s components. When refueling, keep all the doors, windows, and hatches shut so the gas fumes can’t get in. Do not smoke!
Fuel Type
When you get to the boat gas station, the first thing you’ll be asked is: gas or diesel? People are often so used to fueling other vehicles that many of them end up filling the wrong kind of fuel in their tanks. Ensure you don’t end up saying ‘gas up’ if you want diesel fuel and vice versa. When an attendant at the gas dock passes you the nozzle, check to see you’re getting the fuel you need. This simple step can save you needless expenses. 
Tank Size
Boat tanks are usually irregular in shape, which makes fuel gauges less accurate. Not only that, but your fuel gauge is also one of the first things that break down so it’s best not to rely on it and know how large your tank is. Tanks make a distinct sound when they’re close to full, so listening for that will be helpful when you’re refueling at a gas dock. This will prevent spills and you won’t have to spend time helping deckhands clean up the mess. If you’re unsure about tank size or the boat gas station is noisy, simply don’t top off.Handling Spills
Hopefully, you’ll manage to avoid spilling any fuel at the gas dock. If it does happen, use a fuel-absorbent pad and clean up as much of the spill as possible. If you’ve heard the rumor that dish soap gets rid of spilled fuel, put it out of your head. The only thing dish soap does it make the spill so dense that it sinks to the bottom and sits for decades, causing harm to the ecology. If you’ve spilled fuel, simply help the fuel dock deckhands clean up as much as you can and then let the sun evaporate the rest.Before Leaving
So you’ve filled up your boat tank and are ready to head back on the open water. Not so fast! First, ensure that your boat is free of all vapors and fumes. Turn on the boat blower for five minutes and open all the doors, windows, and hatches to air the boat. Lift the engine hatch and check if you smell any fumes. If you do, find out where they’re coming from and fix it. Ensure there’s no fuel in the bilge. Now your passengers can climb back on board and you can pull out of the boat gas station, carefully avoiding other boats nearby.
We hope these tips help you become a better boater. To conveniently fill your fuel tank on Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, come to Kelly’s Port gas dock. If you’d like to get yourself a great boat, head to our boat dealership in Osage Beach and take a tour of our inventory. We proudly serve the good people of Lake of the Ozarks and St. Louis!
A BOAT DEALER IN THE LAKE OF THE OZARKS YOU CAN TRUST
SERVING LAKE OF THE OZARKS SINCE 1977!
Showroom: 3545 Osage Beach Parkway
Osage Beach, MO 65065
573-348-3888
Marina: 5250 Dude Ranch Rd.
Osage Beach, MO 65065
573-348-4700
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