Water in gas from stations on the water- myth or reality

[Jim Crane]

OK, so back in the 80's when my dad had a boat, we would always fill up from a gas station on the river...like everyone else. But that boat constantly had water in the gas and we used dry-gas to survive it every week. One week, the gas attendent told us that they had water in their tanks too (the gas station's tanks). Well, that confirmed the source of the problem, so we never filled up on the water again, always going to the highway to get gas.

I still do that today. Have I been avoiding marina fuel for 35 years without cause, or is it better to get gas from a station on land than on the water?

 

[haknslash]

I get it on the land ..... because it’s cheaper by A LOT. Use Stabil from time to time and I’ve had no issues other than saving $$$ at the pump.

 

[BDOne]

I'm sure it depends on the marina.

My boat stays in the water from late May to early October. With the exception of the first fill-up of the season, I always fill the boat at a marina. Usually I buy fuel at my home marina, but a few times a year I may buy fuel at a different marina.

In 11 seasons of doing that, I have not had an issue with water in my fuel.

Disclaimer: My data is based on experiences with my old boat (2001 Malibu Response). It is possible that boat is less sensitive to water in the fuel. I'll let you know how it goes with my 2012 AR240 after I get a few seasons with it.

 

[Ancient canoe]

I don't think it matters. On land or water I think it's possible for the tanks to become contaminated. On land is a lot cheaper. Aren't marina fuel storage tanks located on land even if the pump is on the water?

 

[AmesJainchill]

OK, so back in the 80's when my dad had a boat, we would always fill up from a gas station on the river...like everyone else. But that boat constantly had water in the gas and we used dry-gas to survive it every week. One week, the gas attendent told us that they had water in their tanks too (the gas station's tanks). Well, that confirmed the source of the problem, so we never filled up on the water again, always going to the highway to get gas.

I still do that today. Have I been avoiding marina fuel for 35 years without cause, or is it better to get gas from a station on land than on the water?

I usually just buy on the water. But I like to get only Valvtect gas if possible and the linked site allows you to search for marinas that carry it. Unfortunately, most of the marinas that carry it where I am only sell it in their 90, 91 or 89 octane pumps so I assume I don't get the full performance I would see if I ran 87 octane, but for me unless I plan on blowing through an entire tank of gas in a day, I stay away from any E10 gas if possible. If I did have to run E10 87 octane, I would definitely throw an additive to dry it up and/or prevent any separation of the fuel. I'm also lucky to have a station accessible by road a couple miles from where I launch that carries E0 90/91 fuel year round. During the season it's only about 10-15 cents cheaper than the marina valvtect gas, so I don't go there a ton, but it's another option and I use it for my generator and gas powered lawn equipment year 'round too. You can find E0 stations using this site. Not necessarily valvtect, but at least no ethanol. Hope this helps!

 

[Jim Crane]

These are great links, thanks.

I usually just buy on the water. But I like to get only Valvtect gas if possible and the linked site allows you to search for marinas that carry it. Unfortunately, most of the marinas that carry it where I am only sell it in their 90, 91 or 89 octane pumps so I assume I don't get the full performance I would see if I ran 87 octane, but for me unless I plan on blowing through an entire tank of gas in a day, I stay away from any E10 gas if possible. If I did have to run E10 87 octane, I would definitely throw an additive to dry it up and/or prevent any separation of the fuel. I'm also lucky to have a station accessible by road a couple miles from where I launch that carries E0 90/91 fuel year round. During the season it's only about 10-15 cents cheaper than the marina valvtect gas, so I don't go there a ton, but it's another option and I use it for my generator and gas powered lawn equipment year 'round too. You can find E0 stations using this site. Not necessarily valvtect, but at least no ethanol. Hope this helps!

 

[Bluewater272]

When I had a boat in the water, I fueled only at the marina, no issues. Now that I'm back to trailering, I always fuel up on land and only at a marina if I'm in a pinch.

 

[Dixie Highway]

I don’t worry about the ethanol, it is universal now and modern engines (last 15-20 years) are designed to run it. As for fuel purchased on land or marina, the fuel all comes from the same place (refinery) so the chances of moisture in there is about equal. The water settles to the bottom of the tank either way, and usually the pump suction is a few inches off the very bottom. I don’t think I’d sweat it.

 

[bumpy]

A few years back I waited and filled my 50 gallon tank on the lake (Winnipesaukee) with Valvtec gas; the boat started to act badly a few days later. $100 worth of diagnostics later, I was told 'bad gas', and was charged $10/gallon to get rid of it. I haven't bought gas on the water since.

 

[Scuba_ref]

My one experience with water in my fuel tank came from a gas station on land. I don't think you are going to find a pattern, just random bad luck.