Exploring Boat Gas Stations: How Do They Work?

Boat owners can refuel their vessels at floating fuel stations, which are found all over the world. These stations provide fuel for yachts, boats, vessels, planes, cars, trucks and other vehicles. There are also on-water gas stations, which are usually found at marinas. These stations sell a 'rec blend' or recreational blend, which contains no ethanol. It's important to use the right type of fuel for your boat's engine and to perform routine maintenance on the boat to ensure the motor runs well for years.

Refuelling at a dock

If you're refuelling your boat at a dock, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure your boat is securely tied to the dock and that the engine is shut down. All lines should be cleated, and if you're unsure how to do this, you can refer to a guide on tying a boat to a cleat using a cleat hitch. If your boat has a cabin, close all the doors and hatches to prevent fumes from filling the enclosed spaces. Then, open the fuel fill cap and start refuelling.

It's important to know what type of fuel your boat requires, and this information can usually be found in the owner's manual. Depending on the engine make, model, and size, the type of fuel may vary. For newer recreational boats, an ethanol-free 87, 89, or 91 octane is typically suitable. Many marinas and gas stations now sell a "rec blend" or recreational blend, which contains no ethanol.

Proper maintenance of your boat's engine and fuel system is crucial. This includes routine checks of hoses, primer bulbs, fuel gauge, and quick-disconnect fuel fittings. By following these steps and maintaining your boat, you can ensure that your motor runs smoothly for years to come.

What type of fuel to use

There are a few options when it comes to fuelling your boat. You can either fill up at a fuel dock or at a gas station with your boat on a trailer. If you're filling up at a fuel dock, make sure your boat is secured, the engine is shut down, and all the lines are cleated. If your boat has a cabin, close all the doors and hatches to prevent fumes from filling the enclosed spaces. Then, open the fuel fill cap.

If you're filling up at a gas station, look for the "rec blend" label, which contains no ethanol. The type of fuel your boat requires may vary depending on the engine make, model, or size, so check your owner's manual. For many newer recreational boats, an ethanol-free 87, 89, or 91 octane will work.

Floating fuel stations are vessels that provide refuelling services for boats and other vehicles. They can be found all over the world, in oceans, seas, lakes, and rivers.

Winterising your boat

If you have access to an on-water gas station, you can be sure that they will have what your boat needs. To keep your engine in good condition, you should use the appropriate fuel and have routine maintenance performed on the boat. This includes properly winterising the boat when the season is over.

• Start by giving your boat a thorough cleaning, inside and out. This will remove any dirt, debris, and grime that has built up over the boating season.
• Next, you'll want to pay special attention to the engine. Change the oil and filter, and top up any other fluids as needed. It's also a good idea to grease any fittings and moving parts to prevent corrosion.
• The fuel system also requires some attention. Drain any remaining fuel from the tank and lines, and add a fuel stabiliser to prevent the fuel from breaking down and causing issues when you start the boat up again in the spring.
• Don't forget about the exterior of the boat. Wash and wax the hull to protect it from the elements, and consider using a boat cover to keep it clean and dry.
• If your boat has a water system, you'll need to winterise that as well. Drain all the water from the tanks, lines, and pumps, and add antifreeze to prevent any remaining water from freezing and causing damage.
• Finally, take care of any other boat-specific tasks, such as removing cushions and canvas, checking the battery, and inspecting the hull for any damage that may have occurred during the boating season.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your boat will be well-protected during the winter and ready to hit the water again come springtime.

Floating fuel stations

A floating fuel station is a vessel that provides refuelling services for yachts, boats, vessels, planes, cars, trucks and other vehicles. They are built for oceans, seas, lakes and rivers and can be found all over the world.

If you have access to an on-water gas station, you can be sure that they will have the fuel your boat needs. It is important to run the appropriate fuel through your engine and to have routine maintenance performed on the boat. This includes properly winterising the boat when the season is over and checking hoses and primer bulbs for cracks and leaks.

There are a few differences in the process of fuelling a boat depending on whether you fill the boat at a fuel dock or with your boat on a trailer at a gas station. If you are fuelling at a dock, ensure your boat is secured, the engine is shut down, and all the lines are cleated. If your boat has a cabin, close all the doors and hatches to prevent fumes from filling the enclosed spaces. Then, open the fuel fill cap.

Many marinas and gas stations now sell a "rec blend" or recreational blend, which contains no ethanol. For many newer recreational boats, an ethanol-free 87, 89, or 91 octane will be suitable.

Fuel tanks and systems

If you have access to an on-water gas station, you can be sure that they will have what your boat needs. It is important to run the appropriate fuel through your engine and have routine maintenance performed on the boat. Maintaining the engine also means properly winterizing the boat when the season is over.

Depending on the engine make, model or size, the type of fuel required may vary. For many newer recreational boats, an ethanol-free 87, 89, or 91 octane will be suitable. More and more marinas and gas stations now sell a “rec blend” or recreational blend, which contains no ethanol.

There are a few differences in the process depending on whether you fill the boat at a fuel dock or with your boat on a trailer at a gas station. If you are fuelling up at the dock, ensure your boat is secured, the engine(s) are shut down, and all the lines are cleated. If your boat has a cabin, all the doors and hatches should be closed to prevent fumes from filling the enclosed spaces. Then, open the fuel fill cap.

Frequently asked questions