| Proper fueling procedures are very important | | | | |
| in preventing onboard fires. Gasoline vapors | | | | 18. Untie from dock and cast off. |
| are heavier than air and can spread rapidly | | | | |
| into enclosed spaces. | | | | Fuel Conservation Tips |
| | | | |
| You should always check the bilges and all | | | | Maintenance |
| closed compartments for gasoline vapors. The | | | | |
| sniff test is the most effective method for | | | | . Keep engine well tuned |
| detecting fuel leaks. A very useful tip is to | | | | |
| use the "one third Rule", One-third of your | | | | . Use correct propeller and check for damage. |
| fuel to get out, one-third to get back, and | | | | |
| one-third in reserve. | | | | . Be sure engine is adequate for boat. |
| | | | |
| Fueling Precautions | | | | . Use proper oil mix in motor. |
| | | | |
| 1. Properly secure boat to the dock. | | | | . Keep hull clean to reduce friction. |
| | | | |
| 2. Switch off engine(s). | | | | - Every 75 hours: replace spark plugs, clean |
| | | | fuel filter, change lower unit oil, grease |
| 3. Extinguish all open flames. | | | | engine/drive via the zerc fittings and |
| | | | inspect everything. |
| 4. Do not use electrical switches. | | | | |
| | | | - Every 150 hours or once a year replace the |
| 5. No smoking - Never smoke whle fueling as | | | | impeller and fuel-water separator. |
| the vapors can catch fire. | | | | |
| | | | - Check and replace any belts or hoses that |
| 6. Ports, hatches, and doors closed. | | | | appear to be deteriorating. |
| | | | |
| 7. Portable tanks should be refueled ashore. | | | | - Check for oil and/or water leaks every time |
| | | | before leaving the dock. |
| 8. Make certain all passengers are ashore. | | | | |
| | | | - Check and service transmissions and lower |
| 9. Determine quantity of fuel required. | | | | units according to manufacturer's |
| | | | recommendations. |
| 10. Hold hose nozzle firmly against fill pipe | | | | |
| opening. | | | | On the Water |
| | | | |
| 11. Do not overfill. Prevent fuel from | | | | . Drain all water before leaving dock. |
| falling into the water during fueling. This | | | | |
| can harm the marine environment. | | | | . Distribute weight evenly and don't |
| | | | overload. |
| 12. Wipe up all spillage. | | | | |
| | | | . Shut off engine when at dock or at rest. |
| 13. Open ports, hatches, and doors to | | | | |
| ventilate. | | | | . Make fewer turns so as to not increase |
| | | | motor load. |
| 14. Turn blower on for at least 4 minutes | | | | |
| | | | . Plane smoothly and quickly at take off then |
| 15. Do the sniff test. | | | | throttle back to cruising speed. |
| | | | |
| 16. Start engines(s). | | | | . Plan fishing spots ahead of time and use |
| | | | trolling motor for minor changes in location. |
| 17. Re-board Passengers. | | | | |