storing boat question

[3pronghook]

that time of year for me. i pumped the last 3 gallons of gas out of my boats gas tank. is it ok to store my boat with an empty gas tank? would you do it?

[delcecchi]

Sure, it has its advantages. You start in the spring with fresh gas.

[Esox_Magnum]

I fill mine at the end of the season, less chance of condensation....Been working for me for the last 10 years, much less trouble than draining the tank and running it dry like I had always done before...

[bassNspear]

Agree with esox

We tell all our customers to fill tank

[3pronghook]

thanks for the input

[Kyhl]

If it is a plastic tank, it doesn't matter. Sure, empty has more surface area to collect condensation but it's not much and will be diluted in the spring when you add fresh gas.

Unless you fill the tank up the filler neck, there will be almost no difference in surface area between a half tank or better versus a full tank because the top of the tank will still be exposed. And the top and bottom of the tank have the largest surface area. Less than half a tank, sure there will be differences.

Personally, I leave whatever is left. Treat it, then top it off with fresh gas in the spring. Never had an issue.

Here is a recent thread about it. Keep Gas In Tank Or Empty?

[Jmnhunter]

my mercury manual says to fill it with stabilizer

[Kyhl]

my mercury manual says to fill it with stabilizer

That must be expensive. [rimshot]

[JosMN]

I agree with Kyle, I also have an plastic onboard tank under the floor. I have never filled it up or drained it out. Just top it off in the spring with fresh gas, never had an issue.

[Down Deep]

For 35 years I have always left what fuel is left in the tank and have never had a problem. When unleaded became the norm I started adding Stabil. About 5 years ago I started using AMSOIL Fuel Stabilizer. I also add some AMSOIL Fuel treatment for unleaded engines to the last tank I put in the boat. I've never had a problem with gumming or water vapor in any of my motors boat or household equipment that are stored through the winter. As gas formulas change I'm a lot more confident in my current additives. There is a lot of information on the net about long term storage of unleaded fuels.