See full version: Boston whaler outrage water in fuel causes
We do have a fuel/water separator but it isn't the bowl kind. this might be a good pickup as well. I swapped out the fuel/water separator when I installed new fuel lines and it was visibly rusty. It had been in the system for two weeks tops. more
- Currently having tank pumped AGAIN ($300/pop) prior to fresh gas for this trip. I always stabilize gas with Star Tron per the bottle's instructions. No readily available ethanol free fuel near me, so use a conventional gas station. Boat yard owner reports never having a problem with fuel at same gas station, it's along side a major highway and get's regular use.
I have a sensitive gas sniffer tool and was planning to test the cavity through the in deck access. I am betting you will say I am borrowed time, but wanted your thoughts.
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I'm probably going with another Aluminum tank which I'll have epoxy coated. I spoke with Florida Marine Tanks (who build the one that failed) and their pricing is very high, probably $2k to get it here (Seattle). I'm searching local fabricators with the appropriate experience in fuel tank construction and also contacted a few recommended on the East Coast (i.e. Luthers Welding)
To make double sure there is no water in the tank cavity I added a 1" drain tube from the tank cavity to the rear fish box. It is easy to reach the drain plug through the fish box for inspection. Several others on this forum have done the same. more
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The bottom line here is that you need to get any excess water that builds up in your fuel system out of the system ASAP.
Answer: Besides your engine not running or running poorly, a periodic visual check of the fuel water separator on you engine is the best way to see if water is beginning to accumulate in your fuel system. Most modern engines have them installed, and some of the more sophisticated units even have wired electrodes that will sound an alarm when water gets to a certain level in the canister. In the photo above, anything you see below the red line shown is water, which will always settle to the bottom of the canister. Keep in mind that this small fuel strainer is the last line of defense in your fuel system. You really need a paper element fuel-water separator further upstream (closer to your fuel tank) in your system. I also recommend keeping a spare filter canister on board in case you accidentally pick up a mega-dose of water when refueling somewhere. here
Ethanol problems combined with normal condensation -- and sometimes a bad load of fuel -- mean that your boat needs good water separators in place.
Question: I’ve been told that besides issues related to ethanol in my fuel, excess water accumulation is probably one of the most common problems with marine engines today. Is there any easy way to check for water in my outboard engine’s fuel system?
Replaceable filter canisters are effective, but it's impossible to see inside them. more
This engine-side water separator is your last line of defense before water gets into your engine. Keep an eye on it, and empty out any water that accumulates in the bottom.
To begin with, the Boston Whaler Outrage 18 changed it’s name to the Outrage 19 in 1991. They are the exact same boats but Whaler decided to round up the number for whatever reason. The boat is great because it’s very soft riding (for a classic Whaler), stable and dry for a boat of that size and is super easy to trailer. However, the best part is you can typically, buy one for under $15,000 and there’s very little depreciation since it’s already so old. Very few boats in this world that hold their value like a classic Whaler!
BOAT SPECIFICS
FUEL TANK, BOW RAIL, DECK more
MY OUTRAGE STORY here