Fuel consumpution question

[nightvision]

Hi all,<br />Here is a newbie question, so be nice.<br />I have a 17.5 bowrider (3L 135 hp) with a 21 gallon fuel tank. Our style of boating is to get on the lake, tube a little, swim alot, some fishing,and head back. We typically use only three or four gallons per outings and that's for a whole day at the lake. We typically take the boat out every 3 weeks or so in the summer and every two months or so in the winter (we're in CA).<br /><br />Last winter I filled the tank and put in stablizer. We have been out twice and still have about 12 gallons in the fuel tank. I do understand that fuel do go bad and fresh fuel is always better. Here is my question.<br /><br />a. In my situation, should I fuel up and top it off every time I go to the lake? Or is it better to just put in 10 gallons per trip knowing that I will only use 4 gallons for that day. I'm just thinking that I can keep the boat light and get more fresh fuel in the tank for each outing.<br /><br />b. Do you usually fill your tank up on the way to the lake or on the way back?<br /><br />Thanks.<br />.

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Fuel consumpution question

I fill the tank AFTER boating as it reduces the amount of condensation that forms in the tank. How often do you go out in the boat?

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: Fuel consumpution question

I rarely if ever fill up my 3.0; half a tank at the most. A full tank of gas is heavy and I feel it on take off when doing water sports. Personally, I like putting in super to ensure the gas has a high enough octane even if it's been sitting for a while.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Fuel consumpution question

Fuel is heavy; minimum reduces drag on your rig.<br /><br />Partial empty fuel tanks condensate so keep them full.<br /><br />Old fuel has had the high octane elements boiled away so adding fuel only dilutes these old cruddy fuel molecules.<br /><br />High octane is a waste of money if your engine only needs 87. But what about evaporation of the violatile high octane parts....well what about evaporation of the more volatile high octane parts on higher octane fuel.<br /><br />But what about high octane fuel which is too expensive so no one buys it so it sits and sits in the dealers tank and then you buy it.<br />---------------------<br /><br />If you can give me a reasonable answer to this fiasco that I can believe, I will be happy to pursue it.<br /><br />Mark