While inspecting the next Mom’s Mink at this winter’s boat
shows, you’re going to notice new fuel components aboard boats
powered by gasoline engines. I started to see these during
Boating’s advance testing of several 2012 models last summer.
The additions include carbon canisters, valves, fuel tanks with
bladders inside and more. They compose a complete system
designed to control fuel and vapors from escaping. You might
hear these systems referred to as “evaporative emissions
controls” or “diurnal fuel controls.” As much as I believe in
protecting the environment, I’m a bigger believer in protecting
human life. Fueling up, the most common of boating tasks, can
also be deadly. The vapor from just one cup of gasoline packs
the explosive power of five pounds of dynamite. Gasoline can
burn at 15,000 degrees F. I’ve seen a fiberglass boat explode;
it burned to the waterline in minutes. Keep these facts in mind
and review this fueling-up refresher. Insist that your crew
stretch their legs while you fuel up. Aboard