Fuel Storage

[jp_vp]

What's the recommendation on storing fuel for the winter?  Do you store your boat full or empty?

I've heard rationale for both and have stored full the last 2 years, but just curious what others do/think.

[bekosh]

In the past I always stored with the tank full.

This year I just can't bring myself to put another $200+ in just to sit over the winter. So I'm leaving it at 1/2 a tank and I'll top off on the street before launching next spring.

[Type-A]

I've stored both ways without issue but the key thing is every time the fuel has Sta-Bil in it.

[Nauti Dog]

I always store full and with Sta-bil.  You can also store near empty and with Sta-bil as long as you fuel up before launch. 

What you are trying to stop is condensation forming in the tank as it heats and cools over the winter. A full tank will not get condensation and an empty tank will get some, but with a full load of fresh fuel it's no big deal.

[Sea Hare]

I always just stabilize whatever i have left in the tank...never had any problems... Like Paul, I just dont want to pay for 165 gallons worth the fuel right now

[TheLucille]

I've stored both ways without issue but the key thing is every time the fuel has Sta-Bil in it.

+1.

There are two different thoughts, one is leave it as empty as possible, one is as full as possible. You'll hear both asking the "professionals". As long as it's ethanol-free, I throw some Sta-Bil in whatever is left, and have never had a problem. Multiple boats/vehicles/mowers/etc.

[Jay Rod]

Agree on the Stabil.  If you don't use it the gas has a tendency to cause varnish build up in the lines, floats or fuel injectors.  Make sure you run the boat for a while with the stabilized gas so it gets to the critical end of the line components.  You can also use fogging oil in the carburetor / intake / pistons....prob. not necessary for fuel injection.

I've always drained my lawn equipment to the point of emptying the tank and running it until the floats in the carb. are dry too and the motor stops running.

The thoughts of storing with a full tank are to eliminate as much air / open surface area in the tank so that condensation doesn't form in the tank, but then you have full tanks of 6 month old gas in the spring that needs to get run out as quick as possible.  Gas is cheaper now than it prob. will be in spring though too.

It's a horse a piece as far as I can tell.  I've never had a bad experience either way with my winter stored cars or boats.  The Lazer had a half tank of stabilized gas for almost a year when the lower unit went south back in '06-'07.  

[Type-A]

The other part is like gambling for me . . . I fill it up in the fall and by the time spring comes around the fuel price DROPS!  Then the next time I put it away empty and then spring comes around and the fuel price goes UP! I just can't win!  LOL

[Jay Rod]

The other part is like gambling for me . . . I fill it up in the fall and by the time spring comes around the fuel price DROPS!  Then the next time I put it away empty and then spring comes around and the fuel price goes UP! I just can't win!  LOL

So what are you doing this year so everyone else can do the opposite.   

[Type-A]

So what are you doing this year so everyone else can do the opposite.   

Half! 

[jp_vp]

Thanks for your help!

Glad I have stock in Sta-bil!

[TheLucille]

Sta-bil 32oz is $8.49 or something at Fleet right now, bring the ad in to Menards and you'll get it for like $7.56, at least I think that's how their price match works. No need for "marine" formula unless you store fuel with ethanol, I would drain it then though

[howie]

stabil what you have left. after a few weeks the gas is stale anyway. i would rather have as little fuel as i can in the tank vs a full tank of stale fuel that is going to make my boat hard to start and run like crap until i get fresh fuel in it. as far as condensation goes, that's what fuel separating filters are for. don't think you will get that much water in the tank. jmo.