www.iFourWinns.com

How much gas should there be in the tank when you winterize your boat.
I asked 2 people who have boats and received 2 different answers.

Should I fill it or keep a small amount. I know i still have to add Stabilizer. Gas is pretty cheap right now @ $2.27 a gallon.

thanks
Matt

Good question...I'm a rookie boater and I'd like to know too.

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2006, 220 Horizon
Kent, WA.
"Semper Fidelis"

We left just over 3/4..maybe near 7/8 in our tank last year...actually brought it up to that before taking her to the marina to be winterized. Everything was fine this spring. I've heard many answers too, so who knows what's exactly right, but we were told that the emptier the tank the increased chance of condensation and thus water in the lines.

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JustBreathe
'05 230 Horizon

actually the more gas you have in the tank the better.
water will not have room to accumulate in the tank...the fuller the better.

--->Add fuel stabilizer to prevent condensation in gas tank

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2005 Funship 214 5.0GXi/DP | 2006 Yamaha FJR1300

I posed this question to four winns and they responded to use a stabilizer and leave it either entirely empty or topped off. If it's full there's little or no room to allow condensation to form. And if any does there will be a lot of fuel and stabilizer to dilute it. If it's empty any water than develops can be drained without wasting a lot of fuel. I'm inclined to go with them being empty this season. It's in warranty so if troubles come up next spring at least it won't cost me anything other than time and hassles.

I'm going to top mine off and add stabilizer this winter. I think gas at $2.55 a gal is about as low as it is going to go. I still have about another month of boating before the boat gets prepped for storage. I'm sure anything can happen with gas prices within that time. Either way I’m sure next spring will bring higher prices. My guess is about $3.40 a gal by May 1st here on Long Island.

I was taught in my aviation days to top off the tanks to minimize condensation & corrosion. I do that with the boat at winterization.

I'm given to wonder how much gas theft there will be over this winter...

Thanks everyone, with the gas prices going down I won't have to cringe as i'm filling her up to put her away for the winter, also This way she will be ready to go in the spring
Matt

I plan on using fuel stabilizer too but I don't think it does anything to prevent condensation does it? It's mainly to keep the gas from breaking down when sitting for long periods. Also keeps it from evaporating and gumming up lines and orifices.
I found this stuff online called DRM Water Zorb. It claims that it allows the fuel and water to mix and pass through the engine without harm.

The main reason for the two different answers is because we now have ethanol in our fuel, It was standard practice to fill the tank and add fuel stabilizer with pure gas.

Now because ethanol can absorb water much more easily, draining the tank comes into play as a solution. I started a post on this over at Boatingabc.com and there are some good points there as well.

Bottom line for me is to continue filling up the tank but I am going to use Starbrite StarTron fuel treatment engineered for ethanol.

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Scott Wood
1999 238 Vista
Trailer Boating on the Great Lakes

I've always run the engine for a period of time to allow the stabilizer to work through the entire fuel system as well.

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SOLD! 2006 30th Anniversary Vista 278
"Conch'd Out!"

http://vista278.com

Every year, the same question. Every year 200 opinions. Here is mine.
It does not matter. My experience with two boats, one stored outside in the snow, one stored inside and heated. I have never topped it off or drained the tank. I put it away with whatever is left after the last outing. Never a single problem with either boat. If your extremely anal about things, go ahead and spend the money, top off your tank, add sta-bil and you will sleep better all winter long.

Can anyone provide a documented case that clearly proves which way is best? I doubt it. All heresay and wives tales is all you will find.

I will sleep just fine with my 1/4 tank of gas in the boat, and the boat will be just fine in the spring.

Good night all.

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

are you sure you are willing to gamble on gas prices like that....
fill up now, who knows what gas prices will be in spring of '07. You could save up to $30 dollars...
oh wait, that's not much money....nevermind.

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2005 Funship 214 5.0GXi/DP | 2006 Yamaha FJR1300

Heh, on a 348 it's more like $160 difference. Just filled it up at $2.69 on Tilghman. As opposed to the $3.49 locally in Annapolis. I'm thinking my last trip of the season's definitely going to include fill-up trip to the Narrows again...