Northwest Fishing Reports

This question is for any of you boating gurus out there and I ask it here because you people have a way about answering my questions that doesn’t make me feel like such a dumb a$$.
All of the boats that I have owned in the past have had two cycle engines with smaller removable gas tanks that I have mixed and filled on the ground and can see the level of gas when I add it to the tank so I never over filled the tanks. I now have a boat with a four cycle Yamaha and on board gas tanks.
Every time I fill the boat with gas I overflow the gas tank out of the vents and I feel like a fool.
My question is: How do I squeeze every drop of gas that I can into the boat tanks and not overflow the fuel out the tank vents? I like to leave the gas station with as much fuel as the boat can carry because I fish Rufus Woods and that river is a little long from the dam to the upper pens and back and I never want to worry about running out of gas.
Thanks!

This is probaby a difficulty several have, and few wish to bring up. Spilling gas on the pavement isn't something most persons would do by choice. I've noticed on our tub when filling the tank, I can listen to the sound made by the gasoline entering the tank via the fill opening. As the tank fills the sound changes. After having the tank vent spit gas on the pavement before, I can now reduce the chances of that happening by paying attention to the fill. As the tank get close to full, I will slow the flow of gas and have found in my case (and my boat), it does help. One word of caution, don't stand downwind when filling. I've heard that sniffing gas fumes is considered detrimental to ones health.
This may not work for everybody/anyone, but it is one way I use to combat the prob.
Look forward to others way of dealing with this.
Good luck with all your adventures

I have learned the hard way to not try to add gas after the automatic shut off on the handle has shut off. When the handle shuts off the tank is full. My boats gas tank does make a different sound when she is starting to get full.

I do 2 things: if i have the handle locked on the pump, i lock it in the second position when filling my boat so that it is coming out a little slower. this prevents the huge "burps" of gas that slosh it all over your back deck or wherever else your gas cap or vents are located, . Also after the tank is half full or so, i take the nozzle and pull it almost all the way out of the tank. This a. allows me to see and hear the gas better and b. also helps prevent the "burps" because there is more room for air to escape you tanks.

Big D,

Congrats on the new boat and great question. I think we have all been there done that for sure. As mentioned above, I also listen as the tank fills and I pump the fuel slowly. This allows you to anticipate the fuel input as it reaches the intake spout, and hopefully avoid spillage. Because you are running long distances (Rufus Woods) I would take an extra 5 or 10 gallon fuel container of gas along for insurance if your primary tank is small. That way there is no worries about running out and hoping you see someone who can tow you for several miles back to the launch. Now for the important question? Any pics of your new boat? :thumleft: Good luck fishin.

Dave

Big D, I too have this problem in my lund. Like said before I slow down towards the full mark and listen. I also pull the nozzle out and hold it for the last 10 gallons or so. One thing to check is the vent hoses inside the boat make sure there is no loop or big bend in them from the tank to the vent( a low spot to trap gas)

Hey Guys,
Today was a banner day. I filled the boat tank without spilling a drop. It’s as you all stated… The key is just to slow down and listen. Now if the weather at Rufus Woods would just cooperate. (See my latest report) You guys helped to fix my fueling issues and
I thank you…now how about doing something about the weather.
Thanks again.

You can also put this little doodad on there:



It covers the vent and allows overflow gas to run into it, thereby saving the pavement.

E