| SOME
SOLUTIONS
Above: Every boater can do SOMETHING to prevent petroleum
pollution. |
This Foundation
Findings allowed us to delve into a wide array of products, information,
and techniques to help prevent small fuel spills and to better manage
our fuel. It also reacquainted us with products that we can use
on the fuel dock to help stop those drops and drips.
While testing
inline fuel/air separators and vented deck fill fittings, our testing
revealed that the Racor Lifeguard Inline Fuel/Air Separator (Model
LG100) was the most dependable all around performer. We could rely
on it to keep fuel from overflowing through the vent line and to
keep backsplash from occurring up the deck fill. Because of its
dependability, it earned the STAFF PICK for this series of tests.
This oblong grapefruit shaped device (about $100 retail) may not
fit in every boat, but where it will, we think it’s a good
investment to make refueling a more worry-free event.
Throughout
the course of our testing, we confirmed that there appears to be
no one single answer to better manage fuel for each and every boat.
Some boaters who buy large amounts of fuel may want to consider
a fuel computer, which can quickly pay for itself when the boater
is able to establish the most efficient RPMs and trim. For other
boaters, a vented deck fill may be an option to help reduce overboard
spilling, particularly if they are willing and able to slowly fill
the fuel tank.
For
everyone filling a fuel tank, there are also simple oil absorbent
cloths, fuel nozzle donuts or bibs, and catchment devices to attach
externally on the vent. These products are as useful for the marina
fuel dock operator as they are for the individual boat owner. Learn
more in our Clean Fueling Products Directory by clicking
here.
The bottom
line: anyone with an engine in their boat can do
something to keep fuel drops out of the water. Thanks for your
help!
This project
is part of our ongoing National Clean Fueling Campaign: Help Stop
the Drops. If you have ideas, questions or comments about this information,
feel free to send us an email.
HOW HELPFUL
WAS THIS FOUNDATION FINDINGS? Tell
Us!
BoatU.S.
Foundation for Boating Safety & Clean Water
147 Old Solomon’s Island Rd. Suite 513
Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 897-0920
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