Empty or full gas tank?

[MHorn0817]

I had my fuel tank drained and cleaned 2 months ago due to water in the tank.

Due to some things going on, we have not had a chance to get back out on the water and it doesn't seem like we will be able to the rest of this season. So I was going to go ahead and winterize the boat while it's still nice out.

Would it be okay to leave the fuel tank empty or is that a higher chance of getting moisture build up and having the same problem again?

 

[FootballFan]

This is debated almost each year, and has been since the beginning of time I think.

Do you take the risk of condensation? Do you have old gas when you start up next spring? Can you rely on fuel treatment?

 

[MHorn0817]

I know the topic of filling up or keeping where it's at is always debated. Mine is a fully empty and dry tank with no gas whatsoever in it.

 

[boatrboy]

There was a thread dedicated to that here somewhere. Search and you will be reading for the night

 

[scoflaw]

Leave it empty then

 

[Creekwood]

1/2 full. It’s a good compromise.
Kidding. I fill mine but we have big winter temperature swings here with a lot of winter humidity. Never had water in fuel issues. Maybe would be the same if they weren’t full. Who knows.

 

[PlayDate]

Most of us have owned boats for decades. Some don't care, some fill it up and some leave it empty. Pick one. I for one end up in the middle with a half full tank with stabilizer and fresh fill when the season begins to mix it up. Never have had a problem in 25 years.

Winter isn't long in DC and we have plenty of 70 degree boating days so in my opinion what people choose to do with their fuel ........ matters less if they use their boats.

I also only winterize the fresh water system on the boat and hvac. I still do the generator but stopped doing the engines years ago because the bilge heater does a great job of maintaining the temperature above freezing and sits between the engines.

That makes it easy to take the boat out on the 70 degree December and March days.

Still jealous of the Florida guys......

 

[mrsrobinson]

I know expert on the subject, I would leave it empty though.

 

[Skybolt]

Most of us have owned boats for decades. Some don't care, some fill it up and some leave it empty. Pick one. I for one end up in the middle with a half full tank with stabilizer and fresh fill when the season begins to mix it up. Never have had a problem in 25 years.

Winter isn't long in DC and we have plenty of 70 degree boating days so in my opinion what people choose to do with their fuel ........ matters less if they use their boats.

I also only winterize the fresh water system on the boat and hvac. I still do the generator but stopped doing the engines years ago because the bilge heater does a great job of maintaining the temperature above freezing and sits between the engines.

That makes it easy to take the boat out on the 70 degree December and March days.

Still jealous of the Florida guys......

This^^^ Exactly.

 

[FootballFan]

It’s not just a boat question. When I was growing up on a farm, every fall was the discussion when putting tractors in the shed for the winter.

 

[KevinC]

On my Merc 8.1s they suggests the following:

If boat is to be placed in storage with fuel containing alcohol in fuel tanks (if fuel without alcohol is not available): Fuel tanks should be drained as low as possible and Quicksilver Gasoline Stabilizer for Marine Engines added to any fuel remaining in the tank.

So I stick with the factory recommendations.

-Kevin

 

[MHorn0817]

I think I'm going to leave the tanks empty and see what happens. I could go put $400 - $500 of fuel in it but then again, it's empty, clean, and dry.

 

[K-DUB]

I store low. It’s a couple thousand extra pounds I don’t want sitting on the stands. Now this year our yard asked we store as low as possible too, if our boats are over 22k. It’s a heated building so we don’t get much temp fluctuations or condensation concerns.

 

[RichieRitz]

Add stabilizer and fill. I take a run and burn a couple gallons to allow for some expansion capacity in tank. No issues. Great Lakes.(non-ethanol always in a boat)

 

[Pirate Lady]

Always stored low, dont want all that weight on unsupported stringers.

 

[Stee6043]

I consider a full tank in the fall to be a solid hedge against fuel prices in the spring

I store full, no additives.

 

[Espos4]

Ethanol fuel…..store it with as little as possible in the tank.

Non-ethanol fuel…..store it full.

 

[Jus Cruisin]

I have about 260 gallons in mine. Stabil Marine 360, non ethanol. Getting hauled in a couple of hours.