Foo - attention all boat owners

If you own a boat that hasn't been used for some time, please check the fuel filler hose while fueling up. the hose can rot, causing gas to leak into the bilge, and the vapors are likely to ignite. If there's a strong odor of gas, check the bilge for fuel leakage before trying to start it up, and always let the engine compartment vent thoroughly before starting.

Last night my boss was on an older boat(late 80's), that exploded when they tried to start it up. He and the boat owner, got 3rd degree burns over most of their bodies. Please pray for their health.

Standard procedure on a boat. Keep the blower running during fueling, and sniff around for vapors before firing up that puppy. :eek: Sorry about your boss. That's horrible.

Standard procedure on a boat. Keep the blower running during fueling, and sniff around for vapors before firing up that puppy. :eek: Sorry about your boss. That's horrible.while fueling it should be turned off.

If the system is working properly, all the fuel vapors are on the outside of the boat while filling. the blower will evacuate the air from inside the engine compartment, and the outside air replaces it. turn the blower on after fueling has stopped, that way no vapors will enter the engine compartment. The law is different in many areas, but it's always a good idea to to open the hatch and check for leaks + to vent any vapors.

If you have an older boat(early 90's or older) please check the filler line while fueling. If you don't know what your's looks like, please ask for help from an experienced boat owner or mechanic.

It could save your life, and make everyone's day go a lot easier.

Aww man that's not good :( Sending healing thoughts.

while fueling it should be turned off.

Depends on the boat, actually. Ours explicitly states, "operate blower during refueling." It's a 2000, anyway.

Once a boat of ours hits the 5 year mark, it gets sold.

FWIW blower should and does not need to turned off during fueling. Blower should be run for a minimum of one minute prior to starting, preferably more. If convenient, open the engine cover.

The reason marine electrical devices like starters and blower motors are expensive is that they should be sparkless. Or at least that is what I learned in my 10+ years working in the service department of a boat business I hope that no one tries to save money by using automotive parts on marine engines for this reason.

I will keep your friends in my prayers BoSox.

Thanks for the heads up and reminder.

Once a boat of ours hits the 5 year mark, it gets sold.


The second happiest day in a boaters life.

I would be happy if my boss got blown to bits

i bet the feeling is mutual. For some reason, I am picturing your boss as running a Krusty Krab restaurant.

Sounds like the guy that blew himself off the toilet...

I got to save a family from the same result today.

you know what kills me? the guy didn't even seem the least bit thankful.

Once a boat of ours hits the 5 year mark, it gets sold.You should sell after 3 years, or wait until at least 10 years.

It depreciates like a SOB at the 4-6 year mark :eek:

Boats are a nice hobby, if you can afford them, but man, they are high maintainence. Slip fees, keeping all the tanks empty (or full), making sure the boat doesn't sink during a storm that fills it up with water...

It takes a distinct type of person to put up with it, something I am not. Given the cash, I'd rather get my pilot's license, buy a decent Cessna.

Boat, a big hole in the water that you throw money in to.

Fuel hoses aren't made from materials that are affected by the fuel they're designed to hold. Couldn't have been the problem in the OP.

Fuel hoses aren't made from materials that are affected by the fuel they're designed to hold. Couldn't have been the problem in the OP.correct, the fuel filler hose was dried out and rotted. When he started fueling the boat, the hose leaked gas into the bilge.

FWIW. the fuel used in Las Vegas area during the winter months has so much alcohol in it, that the fuel lines will get soft and gummy(and need to be replaced) after just a few years.

Boat, a big hole in the water that you throw money in to.Boat - Break out another thousand.


Boats are a nice hobby, if you can afford them, but man, they are high maintainence. Slip fees, keeping all the tanks empty (or full), making sure the boat doesn't sink during a storm that fills it up with water....true.


It takes a distinct type of person to put up with it, something I am not. Given the cash, I'd rather get my pilot's license, buy a decent Cessna.Women really enjoy boating. My dance card is full all summer long.;)

I raced on and owned sailboats for quite a long time. I quickly learned that splash is not proportionate to cost when items are dropped overboard.

I raced on and owned sailboats for quite a long time. I quickly learned that splash is not proportionate to cost when items are dropped overboard.how could you race anything that freaking slow?:rolleyes: :D

I have seen close to if not over 20 knots on some boats (Melges 24 and F-27 trimaran). Sailboats can plane out you know! And 1 gallon of gas would last me a racing season.

hope they make a quick recovery...one more notch on my belt for sailboats ;)

I have seen close to if not over 20 knots on some boats (Melges 24 and F-27 trimaran). Sailboats can plane out you know! And 1 gallon of gas would last me a racing season.my buddies 48' Sunseeker Superhawk can do 60+ knots in 3-4 foot chop.

Why are sailors so freakin' cheap? Not using much gas is great, but why do the always complain about the price of fuel? Seriously, I've seen guys take donations for their 10 gallons of diesel.

my buddies 48' Sunseeker Superhawk can do 60+ knots in 3-4 foot chop.

Why are sailors so freakin' cheap? Not using much gas is great, but why do the always complain about the price of fuel? Seriously, I've seen guys take donations for their 10 gallons of diesel.

I cant imagine owning a boat and complaining about the cost of fuel...doesnt make sense. If you can afford the boat you can afford the fuel. Most people dont take a boat to work...they dont take a boat to school...people dont drive there kids to soccer games in a boat. Boats are luxury's and nothing more. I prefer sailboats not for fuel reasons but just because I like sailing.
I feel the same way about people that drive SUV's and complain about gas. Anyone who drives a GMC Yukon or a Caddy Escalade or even a hummer and complains about the cost of fuel should have there head checked.:rolleyes:

I am not complaining about fuel prices but I will give you a nice thing to think about. When I was in the boat business, (mid 90's) a Mercruiser 454 could burn 26 gallons of fuel an hour at max consumption rate. Your buddy running twins in his 48 has the capacity to burn well over 50 gallons of fuel per hour. High price to pay for fun. For him, for me and for future genertions.

there really is no crisis...its only the greed of a few wealthy oil industry people that are keeping us from a cheaper solution. if the fate of the planet had anything to do with it we would have switched already. fact is...if its not going to make someone some money...its not going to get done...period! Now I'm not saying theres no oil shortage...there might be....but who says we have to use oil? I could use bio diesel right now but you need permits for the equipment to make it...even small quantities...then you have to clear storage with the town...then you have to get taxed by the town...state and federal government for each gallon...seems like someone doesnt want me making cheap clean fuel.

I cant imagine owning a boat and complaining about the cost of fuel...doesnt make sense. If you can afford the boat you can afford the fuel. Most people dont take a boat to work...they dont take a boat to school...people dont drive there kids to soccer games in a boat. Boats are luxury's and nothing more. Exactly what I tell them
I prefer sailboats not for fuel reasons but just because I like sailing.
I enjoy sailing also, but the sailboat owners drive me nuts.

Exactly what I tell them
I enjoy sailing also, but the sailboat owners drive me nuts.

I'm with you there man...they all think there like galleon captains or something...me...I just like to sail..no orders...no shouting...no boat shoes...no captains hat...just me, a boat and some friends.

Your buddy running twins in his 48 has the capacity to burn well over 50 gallons of fuel per hour.Actually, his boat has triple screws:eek:
High price to pay for fun. For him, for me and for future genertions.This is just another thing I hate about sailors. The "My $hit doesn't stink" attitude. :rolleyes: I hope you drive a hybrid as your only car.

I'm with you there man...they all think there like galleon captains or something...me...I just like to sail..no orders...no shouting...no boat shoes...no captains hat...just me, a boat and some friends.a really hot woman I'm friends with, stopped seeing my neighbor after sailing with him. He yelled at her for calling the head, a bathroom:rolleyes: . What an idiot.

Actually, his boat has triple screws:eek: This is just another thing I hate about sailors. The "My $hit doesn't stink" attitude. :rolleyes: I hope you drive a hybrid as your only car.
I never said anything to make me seem holier than thou. What I drive does not enter into it. I gave you a 10 year old fuel consumption figure. I just pointed out what it can cost to run a multi engine vessel at top speed. Roll your eyes all you want brother. Facts is facts. We only got some much gas, when it is gone it is gone. I guess if he can pay to play, more power to him and you. Try to keep it civil and not personal, okay? If you want to take this further, PM me, or a mod.

I never said anything to make me seem holier than thou. What I drive does not enter into it. I gave you a 10 year old fuel consumption figure. I just pointed out what it can cost to run a multi engine vessel at top speed. Roll your eyes all you want brother. Facts is facts. We only got some much gas, when it is gone it is gone. I guess if he can pay to play, more power to him and you. Try to keep it civil and not personal, okay? If you want to take this further, PM me, or a mod.

I'm sorry you think I'm not being civil. Try using the ignore feature.

One of my favorite memories was when I was able to crew on a sailboat (10 meter wooden sloop) from Italy to Spain, a trip of over a thousand miles. When people ask me about my happiest times I always mention that trip.
The owner never yelled and we shard two hour watches for the night sailing. I really got to see some great stuff and the experiance was so good.
By the way, I was stationed on a 65' Rescue boat with twin 680hp diesels, fun but not a patch on the sailboat. Good sailing.
Steven

I got to save a family from the same result today.

you know what kills me? the guy didn't even seem the least bit thankful.Last night, the guy came to my boat to thank me. He said that the other day he didn't understand why I was so insistent on checking the bilge, and he felt bad about how he reacted to the inspection of his boat.

Any word on the bossman Scott?