Gasoline vapors in the engine compartment can stall an engine or make it hard to start because the gasoline-rich air going into the engine makes the mixture too rich for the engine to burn. A backfire or errant spark can ignite the buildup
. Refueling a gas-powered boat is not like filling up your car at the local gas station and should be done with full attention to the job.
Here's a list of procedures that should be followed every time you refuel with gasoline.
- Have everyone leave the boat while refueling.
- Shut off all engines, electric motors, and galley stoves and turn off the battery at the main switch.
- Close all compartments, ports, windows, and hatches. The idea is to keep fumes out of all spaces while fueling.
- Don't smoke.
- Keep the nozzle in contact with the fill to prevent static sparks.
- After fueling, make sure the gas tank cap is replaced, wipe up or wash off any excess or spilled fuel, open all hatches and ports, and let the boat air out.
- Operate the bilge blower for at least four minutes.
- Sniff your bilge and engine compartment areas before starting your engine. Keep in mind that a bilge blower can't remove vapors from spilled liquid gas, so use your nose before turning the key. If there is a strong odor of gas, get everyone off the boat, notify the attendant, and call 911.
- If the engine is hard to start after refueling, stop cranking and investigate!