After evaluating a variety of soap products, we decided on using car wash soap, which bubbled up initially then settled down rapidly, just like fuel. The “Fuel”: Using soapy water solutions, we formulated realistic substitutes for both gasoline and diesel. to replicate the flows found at the fuel dock. We used a standard ¾” nozzle that delivered 10 gallons per minute (g.p.m.) and a high speed 1 ¼” nozzle that delivered 20 g.p.m. The Nozzles: To test our devices, we obtained fuel nozzles from a marina distributor and powered them with an electric pump. With strict orders not to spill one single drop of fuel into the environment, we came up with two different methods of testing these products: first, a shore-side boat mock-up using a soapy water recipe as our fuel product and second, several friends’ boats, which allowed us to test the inline fuel/air separators and fuel computers on real vessels. In this consumer product testing, conducted in October 2004, we evaluated readily available boat products including inline fuel/air separators, combination deck fill and vents, and fuel computers. We hope this information will help you find the right answer for you. The end result of all this research is that we found there’s an option for every single boater. Finally, there are some tried and true techniques for fueling that will reduce the chances of overfilling. Plus, in the course of testing, we got familiar with different absorbent pads, catchment devices, fueling bibs and donuts, as well as other supplies that can come in handy while fueling any boat. (Learn more about why boats “burp.”) As a result, no matter what kind of boat you have and no matter how careful you are during fueling, it is really quite easy to spill fuel out into the water if you don’t take a few simple precautions. Because of this, inboard boat tanks have an air vent to relieve the pressure that builds while filling a tank. Has this ever happened to you or someone you know? You are not the only one.įuel tanks on boats are not pressurized like they are in automobiles. In one careless moment, you’ve streaked your gelcoat, broken a federal environmental law, and insulted nature right in her face. Before you can say “Eskimo Pie,” pink diesel is tumbling out of your tank vent, down the side of your new gel-coated hull, and hitting the water-naturally, right as a mama duck leads a family of fuzzy ducklings by. With your wallet hand deeply in the pocket of your Bermuda shorts, your tanks are suddenly and unpredictably full. You’re pumping diesel as quick as you can when your grandson tugs on your arm, begging for spare change for an ice cream sandwich from the ships store. It’s hot, the harbor is crowded, and you have been circling the fuel dock for 25 minutes waiting your turn. Products to Keep Fuel Where it Belongs - In Your Tank Spill? What Spill? Foundation Findings #40 - March 2005 Boat Owners Association of The United States
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