Heading out on a big trip or in potentially rough water? Let’s talk a bit about making sure that your boat’s fuel system is up to the task.
Waves and swells will stir up any crud that may be in the bottom of your fuel tank, which will then get sucked into your fuel hoses and filters. A little bit of prep before a trip can save a lot of headaches; carrying a few spare parts will make dealing with any problem much easier.
- Polish Your Fuel. Before your trip, get as much of the crud out of your tanks as possible by either hiring a fuel polishing serving or doing it yourself (see how to do it yourself here). I recommend carrying a DIY system so that if you have a fuel problem you can quickly pull a sample and then polish it if you discover contamination. Don’t count on there being a fuel polishing service!
- Check Your Fuel Hoses. Make sure that all are in good condition – no cracks, no loose connections and none collapsing.
- Spares. Carry plenty of spares of ALL of your fuel filters – your Racor and any that are on your engine. One time when we got water in our fuel tank due to a cracked o-ring it took us 5 Racor filters to go just 10 miles. Also carry enough spare fuel hose to go all the way from your fuel tank to the engine, hose clamps and a fuel pump.
The first offshore trip that Dave and I made was to help a friend take his boat from the Bahamas to Rhode Island, mixing up ICW and offshore legs. At the time, I didn’t realize how incredible it was that we never had a bit of mechanical trouble along the way, but I sure noticed how much time Jack spent readying the boat before the trip and checking over all the systems whenever we’d stop for the night.
I don’t think that was a coincidence!
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Carolyn Shearlock has lived aboard full-time for 17 years, splitting her time between a Tayana 37 monohull and a Gemini 105 catamaran. She’s cruised over 14,000 miles, from Pacific Mexico and Central America to Florida and the Bahamas, gaining firsthand experience with the joys and challenges of life on the water.
Through The Boat Galley, Carolyn has helped thousands of people explore, prepare for, and enjoy life afloat. She shares her expertise as an instructor at Cruisers University, in leading boating publications, and through her bestselling book, The Boat Galley Cookbook. She is passionate about helping others embark on their liveaboard journey—making life on the water simpler, safer, and more enjoyable.
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