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I don't know about you, but so far, I have had a great time boating this year. Unfortunately I have to pull my boat out next week. I will have very few weekends left to winterize my boat so I'll start early. furthermore, I want to get the woodwork off to re-finish it during the winter.
Before I pull the boat out, I would like to put some fuel stabilizer in the fuel tanks and have 1 last glorious ride .
Is there a consensus out there as to what our older boats need? I have two LM400s (280hp) and the original tanks. I am located in Ontario.
I've been using Sta-Bil Marine concentrate (green) for years and have never had an issue. For winter I add this to a tank of premium fuel and run it thru the engine and generator before haul out. The premium fuel helps offset the octane loss from sitting thru the winter months.
Hope this helps,
Paul
"Cruise Control" 1978 F-26HT
"No Control" 2012 9' Grand RIB
We have used Star Tron for years with good results, even with E10 fuel. The Star Tron goes in every time we add fuel, so nothing to worry about for winter layup.
I wouldn't sweat it too much Christian. I've run a gambit of brands over the years with no real noticeable difference. Pick a common brand and go with it. No worries re the older engines, I don't think they're older than mine! The higher octane going into layup is good practice or just add an octane boost come Spring. Are you on ethanol?
It's that time of year again so the next debate will be, "Do I fill up my tanks before haul out or not"!!
She was a 1969 36 ft wooden beauty with big blue 440s that we'll miss forever.
And thanks to the gang, 2012 Trojan Boater Of The Year
I'll see what I can find at my local CT store. I'm sure they have a big selection to choose from. As far as ethanol is concerned, I don't know. Does it really matter for winterizing? I will ask the marina operators but if I had to guess, I'd say there is...
Christian wrote:As far as ethanol is concerned, I don't know. Does it really matter for winterizing? I will ask the marina operators but if I had to guess, I'd say there is...
With ethanol fuel you are more likely to have phase separation over the winter months while things are just sitting, increasing chances of problems with water or fouling in the spring. If your fuel is ethanol free you have less to worry about. I always add some methyl hydrate to the tanks in the spring a couple of weeks before launch to try to deal with any water.
There are no "basic" questions here Christian. EVERY question is important when seeking an answer for something you aren't sure about.....we've all been there at one time during our boating life. By asking what you think may by insignificant may also help someone else that is hesitant to ask the same thing. SO, there is no such thing as a silly question on this forum!....We have a good bunch here so please feel free to ask away.
There are some brands that make claims about their product when it comes to ethanol fuel storage. Again, I've never ran into any problems that have been directly linked to the type of stabilizer I've used whether it was in ethanol fuel or not so I wouldn't worry about it but if it makes you feel easier, I don't see the harm in using a product claiming to be beneficial when storing E10 whether you have it or not. Personally, I keep an eye on known brands coming on sale and buy which ever has the best sale.
Knowing whether you have E10 or not makes a difference in how you manage fuel usage/purchase during the boating season based on your boating habits. It's also important to know heading into haul out time.
She was a 1969 36 ft wooden beauty with big blue 440s that we'll miss forever.
And thanks to the gang, 2012 Trojan Boater Of The Year
Christian wrote:
I finally got a hold of my marina. They say that the fuel they supply has no ethanol in it.
If there is no ethanol in the fuel then any reputable fuel stabilizer should do the job. For gas that contains ethanol I would recommend Startron. It seems to deal with any potential water in the fuel the best.
1993 Sea Ray 200 Overnighter OB with 1993 Mercury 150 hp Outboard
1979 Starcraft 14' Rowboat with 2011 Mercury 9.9 hp Outboard
Former boat: 1971 Trojan F26
Every year Canadian Tire puts Fuel Stabilizer on sale. They have had it on twice so far in the last three weeks. They carry three flavours, Sta bil, STP and their own brand Motomaster. All three will probably be on sale given enough time. All have the same ratio of protection. When it is on sale generally 40 - 50 % off.
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