Fueling A Pontoon Boat: Dockside Tips And Tricks

Refuelling a pontoon boat from a dock can be challenging, especially if there are no gas stations on the lake or the marina is closed. Pontoon boat owners often use race fuel bottles, large jerry cans, or gas caddies to refuel their boats. Gas caddies are a convenient, portable, and easy-to-use option, but they can be heavy and cumbersome on gravel or sand. When fuelling a pontoon boat, it is important to take precautions to avoid spills and to ensure the boat is securely docked.

Use a gas caddy to wheel fuel from a gas station to your boat

If you're looking to fuel your pontoon boat from a dock, one option is to use a gas caddy to wheel fuel from a gas station to your boat. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it safely and efficiently:

Purchasing and Preparing Your Gas Caddy:

• Choose a gas caddy that suits your needs in terms of size and portability. You can find gas caddies in a range of sizes, from 14-gallon to 50-gallon capacities. Consider the fuel tank size of your pontoon boat and select a caddy that can accommodate it.
• Look for a gas caddy with wheels, preferably rubber wheels, to make transportation easier.
• Ensure that your gas caddy is DOT-certified. This certification ensures that the container has passed various safety tests and is safe for transporting fuel.
• Check the local laws and regulations regarding the transportation and storage of fuel. Some areas may have specific restrictions on the size and type of containers allowed.
• When filling your gas caddy at a gas station, place it on the ground near the pump. Do not fill it while it's in your vehicle.
• Use only approved fuel cans or containers to fill your gas caddy. Avoid using unapproved or modified containers, as they may not meet safety standards.

Transporting and Dispensing Fuel:

• Once you've filled your gas caddy, carefully transport it to your boat, ensuring it is secure and doesn't tip over.
• Before dispensing fuel into your pontoon boat, make sure the boat is securely docked, and the engine(s) are shut down.
• Open the fuel fill cap of your boat and place the nozzle of the gas caddy into the fuel fill.
• Start dispensing fuel slowly, gradually increasing the pressure to speed up the flow. Keep an eye on the fuel level to avoid overfilling.
• If fuel starts to overflow or splash out of the fill, reduce the pressure and adjust the nozzle. Some boats may require a reduced flow rate to prevent fuel from spilling out.
• When the tank is full, stop pumping and remove the nozzle. Replace the fuel fill cap.
• If your boat has a cabin, ensure all doors and hatches are closed to prevent fumes from filling the enclosed spaces.
• After fuelling, run the blower for at least four minutes before starting the engine. It's also a good idea to sniff the bilge and cabin to ensure fumes haven't collected in those areas.

Safety Precautions:

• Always use caution when handling fuel to avoid spills and reduce the risk of fire.
• Ensure proper ventilation during fuelling to prevent the buildup of fumes.
• Do not smoke or create any sparks or flames near the fuel.
• Keep a fuel diaper or absorbent material nearby in case of spills.
• Store your gas caddy in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
• Regularly inspect your gas caddy for any signs of damage or leaks.
• Do not overload your gas caddy beyond its capacity.
• Follow all safety instructions provided by the manufacturer of your gas caddy.

Use a funnel to avoid spills

When fuelling a pontoon boat, it is important to take precautions to avoid spills. Spilling fuel can be hazardous and cause damage to the aquatic ecosystem. One way to avoid spills is to use a funnel.

A funnel can help guide the fuel into the tank, reducing the risk of spills or overflows. When choosing a funnel, opt for one made of durable material, such as anodized aluminium, with a long spout that can reach the fuel tank opening. Consider using a filtered funnel, which will help prevent contaminants from entering the fuel tank.

Before using the funnel, ensure that the boat is properly secured to the dock and that the engine is turned off. Place an absorbent pad under the fuel container to catch any spills or drips. Then, carefully pour the fuel from the container into the funnel, taking your time to avoid overfilling the tank.

If you're using a portable fuel container, consider getting a funnel with a handle for easier pouring. Additionally, look for a funnel with a siphon and handle mechanism, which will help prevent spills. Always store your portable fuel containers out of direct sunlight and in a cool, dry place to minimize condensation.

By using a funnel and taking these precautionary measures, you can help ensure a safe and spill-free fuelling experience for your pontoon boat.

Secure your boat to the dock

Once you've successfully docked your pontoon boat, it's time to secure it to the dock. Here are the steps to do it effectively:

• Prepare your dock lines and fenders: Before approaching the dock, ensure your fenders are in place and your dock lines are ready. Decide which side of the dock you'll tie up to and adjust your fenders accordingly.
• Slow down your approach: Approach the dock slowly and steadily. This gives you better control over your boat's movement and reduces the risk of sudden, unpredictable manoeuvres.
• Position your boat parallel to the dock: Aim to have the side of your boat running parallel to the edge of the dock. This minimises the complexity of the docking manoeuvre and reduces the chances of collision.
• Use fenders to protect your boat: Attach fenders to the side of your boat that will be in contact with the dock. Fenders are soft cushions, usually made of foam or inflatable vinyl, that protect your boat's hull by absorbing the impact.
• Gradually reduce speed as you near the dock: Slowly reduce your speed as you get closer to the dock to maintain precise control over your boat's movement.
• Turn the boat gently towards the dock: Use your steering controls to gently guide the bow (front) of the boat towards the dock while maintaining a controlled speed.
• Use small throttle adjustments for precision: Make small adjustments to the throttle to fine-tune your boat's position as you get closer to the dock. This ensures a perfect alignment with the dock.
• Secure the boat with ropes and cleats: Use ropes to connect your boat to the dock, ensuring it remains stationary. Cleats, mounted on the dock, are the anchor points for these ropes. Fasten one end of each rope to a cleat on the dock and the other end to a cleat or designated spot on your boat. Ensure the ropes are tight enough to keep your boat close to the dock without being too loose.
• Adjust positioning as needed for alignment: If your boat is not perfectly aligned with the dock, use your throttle and steering controls to make small adjustments. This may involve shifting your boat slightly forward or backward or changing its angle relative to the dock.
• Turn off the engine and perform final checks: Once your boat is securely docked and properly aligned, turn off the engine to conserve fuel and ensure safety. Check the mooring ropes to ensure they are tied securely and show no signs of wear or damage.

By following these steps, you'll be able to securely moor your pontoon boat to the dock, ensuring a safe and enjoyable boating experience.

Turn off the engine and extinguish open flames

When you're fuelling a pontoon boat, it's crucial to prioritise safety. One of the most important steps is to turn off the engine and extinguish any open flames. This is a fundamental safety precaution that should never be overlooked. By switching off the engine, you're not only conserving fuel, but also ensuring that the boat remains stationary during the fuelling process, eliminating the risk of accidental throttle engagement.

To ensure a safe and efficient fuelling experience, it's imperative to secure your boat to the dock. This means properly tying up the boat using ropes and cleats. Make sure the ropes are tight enough to keep the boat close to the dock without being too loose. This way, you can maintain the boat's position and prevent it from drifting away or colliding with the dock or other vessels.

In addition to securing the boat, it's important to clear the area of any bystanders who are not directly involved in the fuelling process. This helps maintain a safe environment and reduces the risk of accidents. It's also crucial to put out all smoking materials before fuelling.

When fuelling your pontoon boat, always be cautious and avoid any distractions. Never use hands-free clips, and make sure you give the task your full attention. Additionally, be mindful of the fuel level in your tank. It is recommended to fill your tank to about 90% capacity, as fuel expands as temperatures rise. Overfilling your tank can lead to spills and other hazards.

Remember to keep the nozzle in contact with the edge of the fill to prevent the build-up of static electricity and reduce the risk of sparking. After fuelling, perform a final check to ensure that the mooring ropes are securely tied and show no signs of wear or damage. By following these steps, you can ensure a safe and successful fuelling experience for your pontoon boat.

Clean up any fuel spills immediately

It is important to act quickly to clean up any fuel spills to protect the environment and your wallet. Here are some steps to take to clean up a fuel spill from your pontoon boat:

• Identify the cause and source of the spill and stop it immediately.
• Notify the marina or fuel dock, as they will have the necessary equipment to help contain the spill. They should provide you with oil absorbent pads and booms to soak up the fuel.
• It is mandatory to notify the U.S. Coast Guard National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802 of any fuel spills that produce a sheen on the water. They will require information such as the location of the incident, the cause and source of the spill, the type and amount of fuel spilled, the level of danger, and weather conditions.
• While waiting for professional help to arrive, use absorbent socks, pads, and pillows to minimize the damage and contain the spill.
• Do not use detergent or dish soap to try to make the spill disappear. This will only break down the spill into smaller droplets, making it harder to clean up and more toxic to marine life.
• Dispose of all used absorbent materials as hazardous waste.
• Remember to wear hand and eye protection when cleaning up fuel spills.
• For small spills, you can use oil-absorbing towels to soak up the fuel.
• If the spill is on the water, use a hydrocarbon-absorbent "sausage boom" to contain the fuel and then collect it with absorbent pads or a vacuum truck.
• Act quickly, as oil emulsifies and becomes harder to clean up over time.

Frequently asked questions