I have angered the marina gas dock gods

Bergman

Bergman

New Member
Jun 6, 2007
18
Knoxville, TN
Boat Info
2004 Sundeck 240
Engines
350 MAG w/Bravo III
Due to our marina's gas dock being closed during the day this time of year, and in a feeble attempt to save a few bucks, I headed down to my dry storage rack this evening with two 5 gallon gas cans, intent on adding enough gas to get me through a planned "guys afternoon playing hookie from work" tomorrow on my trusty Sundeck 240.

I've never tried this with the Sundeck before, so I was a little surprised when, after only 3 gallons, the boat's fill tube was completely filled and the boat belched fuel everywhere. I've been PO'd for 2 hours now, and still trying to figure out WTF is going on.

Any ideas? The best I can come up with is that the boat is on a bit of an angle, and thus the fuel wasn't draining out of the line and into the tank properly. The boat has less than 1/4 tank right now, so I know it's not full. Perhaps the gas dock gods knew what I was up to and got their revenge. I'm just hoping to get the remaining 7 gallons into the boat and will definitely not fool with this 'Sanford and Son' routine again.
 
I fill with Can's all the time. I have 10 5 Gallon red cans, and the spout on them fits nicely down inside the gas fill tube so I have to use little effort to hold that damn can up (they get heavy). I do know when I have filled up at the gas station the pump never stop's before the gas comes flyin out hate that I have to listen for the wistle to stop and then guess at how much more can fit. I usually have rags ready to clean up any spill.
 
Bergman said:
Due to our marina's gas dock being closed during the day this time of year, and in a feeble attempt to save a few bucks, I headed down to my dry storage rack this evening with two 5 gallon gas cans, intent on adding enough gas to get me through a planned "guys afternoon playing hookie from work" tomorrow on my trusty Sundeck 240.

I've never tried this with the Sundeck before, so I was a little surprised when, after only 3 gallons, the boat's fill tube was completely filled and the boat belched fuel everywhere. I've been PO'd for 2 hours now, and still trying to figure out WTF is going on.

Any ideas? The best I can come up with is that the boat is on a bit of an angle, and thus the fuel wasn't draining out of the line and into the tank properly. The boat has less than 1/4 tank right now, so I know it's not full. Perhaps the gas dock gods knew what I was up to and got their revenge. I'm just hoping to get the remaining 7 gallons into the boat and will definitely not fool with this 'Sanford and Son' routine again.
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I use a funnel with a wide spout. It seems to allow the air in the system to be displaced by the gas which may be your problem.
 
I cant speak to your exact situation, but I do know that my old boat (18' Penn Yan) was extremely sensitive to trim and list when filling the tank. I think it was because the tank was long and narrow, (fore and aft)so the vent tube outlet from the tank would get covered with liquid before the tank was full, resulting in the "puking" you describe.

If you're on a rack there's not much you can do about it now, but to satisfy your curiositiy go look at the arrangement of the fill tube vs. the vent tube and you ought to be able to visualize if my theory is correct. Good luck!

Cheers,

Bill
 
Stick the spout from the gas can down in the fill hole as far as you can, sounds like your getting gas into the vent vs. it going down into the fill tube.
 
I have filled up with cans all summer. The rear sits a lot lower because I am parked on a grade. I did have similar experience when I tried to put to much fas in to fast. I just started going a little slower and haven't really had a problem since.
 
I use cans all the time. I too hate the gas belch. My trick is a slow pour.
I seem to have less problems with a real vented can than with one of those "self-vented" cans.
 
I also use cans occasionally. Just make sure the nozzle doesn't come off and go into the fill tube.

What a pain that was!!:smt021
 
Instead of a funnel I use a 1/2" plastic tube with a brass check ball valve in the end of the tube that goes in the fuel can. You start the flow by rapidly raising & lowering the tube in the fuel can, on every lift you fill the tube a bit, the check valve keeps the fuel from draining back & quickly the fuel goes over the top & the siphon begins. Flow is very fast, faster than the vent thru the nozzle fuel cans that are common now. I bought mine at Academy Sports, found a listing on Amazon for picture purposes only.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000ZORJ1E?smid=AME3XVTMU9VHP&tag=nextag-sports-mp-20&linkCode=asn
 
Our Marina Gates have the fines posted on them for attempting to bring gasoline cans on the docks to add fuel to you boat, not that i would want to bring 100 gallons at a time, but 2 were caught this summer by security in the middle of the night trying to fill their 20' ers, Can only carry an out board marine approved "tank" of gas to connect to outboard... I assume that this is due to possible spillage into the water, but never actually asked
 
Morpheus said:
I usually have rags ready to clean up any spill.
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Never did the gas can thing. Luckily I can trailer it to the gas station if I must (only a few miles away) and the gas on the lake is open every day without fail from 9 to 5 except Tuesdays anyway.

I do the same when filling as you do Morph...except I put the paper towels under the fill port immediately upon starting the fill up to catch it, because even when I listen, I invariably lose interest in listening and <splash> out a bit it comes:smt013
 
Can I ask what the purpose of so many of you bringing gas tanks to fill up? Sounds like a HUGE pain in the arse. Are the fueling stations closed that often?
 
sebagoman007 said:
In my case, it's because gas on the water averages about 50 cents more per gallon than at the local self serve............

Bill
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Really? Saving the $25 makes it worth dragging all of that around plus the gas to go get it and bring it back?
 
Yes, I can relate. I haven't done that myself, but I'm in a slightly different place in my life now. When I was younger with 2 little girls and a modest military income, we had a 19' ski boat and I would spend a lot more than a day's labor to save $25. I've spent much of my life counting pennies. Someday, I hope to not have to be quite so thrifty.

This, from a military guy with a 340 on base. Well, you have to enjoy life at some point! (Besides, I have 2 jobs, a share in 2 businesses, and I've earned it!)
 
It would be nice if my lake had a gas dock. about as close as i get is beaching the boat and walking across the street with gas cans. I live my life 2 5 gal can's at a time lol.
 
billandamy said:
Can I ask what the purpose of so many of you bringing gas tanks to fill up? Sounds like a HUGE pain in the arse. Are the fueling stations closed that often?
Click to expand...

Mine is not a money issue. I would glady pay $0.50 more to have it readily available. The closest marina with gas is about 10 miles away. Only went down that far a few time this year.
 
Bergman said:
I'm just hoping to get the remaining 7 gallons into the boat and will definitely not fool with this 'Sanford and Son' routine again.
Click to expand...

Lamont, now look what you've gone and done you big dummy!
 
Yeah, I do the trailer it to the gas station (which is only a mile from my house) thing, but that's because it's just easier/closer than anything else, and I trailer it everywhere. I too get gas spewing out every time I fill it up... and always have the paper towels at the ready, because it even spills when I'm listening for it (I've only been able to catch it once in all the times I've filled boat gas tanks). Both this boat, and my 185 I had before.

I have a friend who doesn't have a trailer, and the closest gas pump is a few miles away, and he just fills it with a few 5 gal cans whenever he goes out.

-VtSeaRay
 
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