How Did WATER Get into Our BOAT'S FUEL SYSTEM?

In this video, we explain how water got into our boat's fuel system, causing breakdown and rescue from the Coast Guard. From a beginner boating perspective, we go through the likely causes of what happened to our boat motor resulting in it stopping in the middle of Moreton Bay.
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[@selfsuffishingme]

G'day Everyone, Well, we hope this video clears up some of the main questions from our last upload here kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnqTZ6iLitxpgq8 if you haven't seen it... Thanks for all your support! It's never easy starting a new KZbin Channel. But, what we have noticed is you guys offering constructive criticism and helpful tips rather than just smashing us so I just wanted to acknowledge that from our perspective and thank you for all your boating and fishing advice! Cheers :)

[@MandyOnderwater]

Hey Mark & James, in the tags #boat is misspelled as @Baot

[@carlodanese9120]

A very easy fix could be a 1cm stainless steel/aluminium tubing spacer which elevates the cap from the angled surface and convert, as you said, to a classic screw cap with a chain. As others have commented as well, could also be water from the petrol station. I strongly believe that cap design and the waves did the damage. Keep on fishing!!

[@iain1969]

Mark it's totally normal to make modifications/improvements to your boat over time on the basis of what you experience out on the water. A few other commenters mentioned a fuel/water separator with a glass bowl underneath. It becomes a habit to keep an eye on it and if you notice water in the reservoir (which can come from ingress, condensation or bad fuel) you just put a cup under it and drain it out with a twist of the valve. When drifting it's reasonably common to get waves slapping the stern so it's a 'wet area' and I'd definitely upgrade the filler as you suggested, if for no other reason than future peace of mind. Don't let one set-back put you off and 'get out there' !!!

[@captainandrewcrabtree]

The inline fuel water separator filter is a must and the filter itself should be replaced every 50 hours per Yamaha recommendations. I would also recommend personally using Yamaha ring free to your fuel to prevent carbon build up etc... be safe out there Mark!

[@grimreaper6112]

Yeah right.

[@vanjosh7763]

I highly agree to convert it into a Screw cap. The design of that current cap is prone to accidental openings, especially if it's placed on a spot where you would grab it when get in the boat. A Marine Grade Stainless Steel Fuel Cap should do nicely there.

[@jejoko]

The reason you had water in your fuel, in my opinion, was because of how you tied off to that buoy in those conditions. You left your boat anchored sideways to the waves, never do that. Your transom was basically towards the waves instead of your bow. Always tie off to the front cleat when at anchor or buoy. You tied off to that buoy like you were at the dock.

[@KimAtkinsSoundandDirty]

Totally agree with you 👍

[@ia6980]

Yes but even with waves, engine should resist failure like this, it should be protected even if submerged in water, you're in ocean!

[@jejoko]

@ia6980 😐 What?? Sir, I can see you know very little about outboard engines. If you plan on having a boat, you have a huge learning curve in front of you. Please educate yourself before you put yourself and passengers in harms way. No, outboard engines will not run if submerged. They can somewhat handle water over the top of them like the occasional wave or heavy rain. But that is not the case being discussed here. The issue being discussed is water infiltration into the fuel tank and how that happened. If you are going to operate a boat safely and keep your occupants safe, you need to know the physics and mechanics of your boat and the weather conditions you will be subject to and be able to forsee how different situations will compromise your boat both physically and mechanicaly. It is absolutely NOT like driving a car, and it is definitely not a submarine. You, sir, have a lot of learning to do. Good luck!

[@goodncold]

Comments from the other vid point to another culprit. When you stern tied to the mooring ball the force of the waves smashing into that cap could have easily popped that gas cap open. Especially since it was a rough night on the water.

[@BigMkombe]

Mate had the same problem on my Haines, it was getting in through the breather/tank vent when beach launching/retrieving. I installed a catch can for the breather, so it catches fuel going out or water coming in. That small black plastic thing is most likely your fuel tank vent/breather- you can either put a bunch of loops in it or just install a can 👍

[@stabifisho7576]

I would have hoped Northside Marine have fitted a fuel filter/water separator when the Yamaha engine was installed from new I'm pretty sure the fuel added from your jerry can may have been the issue , as for your fuel cap, ALL STABICRAFT have the same fuel filler and cap on all models.A funnel with a strainer is a must when remote refuelling too.

[@damianrey8049]

Hey Mark, fellow 1850 fisher owner here. Sorry you went through that on your already delayed return home! I’m really enjoying the vids btw please keep them up. Just thought I would say I think the fuel cap and the breathing system may work in conjunction with each other on the Stabi’s so make sure you check with the dealer before changing things up…. Plus consider the warranty also. Also double check the breather vent on the starboard side of the boat I think you can screw them in and out make sure it’s not on the loose side as this is a possible entry point for water in ruff weather. Cheers Damian

[@HookOnFishingAus]

Fuel/Water separator filter. Price wise $50-$100 better than 20K plus for a new motor

[@kevinreynolds1328]

G’day Mark I have been boating for for around 50 years and have found that with lead free petrol came problems, one it goes off very quickly so if you store your boat for any length of time put stable in it. Boats also come with breathers into the fuel tank and if you get warm days your tank expands and when you get cool humid nights the tank contracts sucking in the moisture, also I have had water in the fuel strait from the bowser, best thing you can do is put on a water separating fuel filter with a clear catch container at the bottom, it’s easy to take off and empty any water out. As long as you make it a habit of looking at it regularly it will definitely help to avoid any problems in the future. Wave slap shouldn’t of been a problem unless you had a back anchor out which is not a good idea in open water, so if you were only anchored by the front your bow should of always been facing into the wind and waves.

[@dpd6401]

That’s a terrible fuel filler cap. I agree, replace with a screw cap. Ensure you have a fuel filter in line with a glass bowl which is easily accessible.

[@macw2234]

Life is one huge learning curve. Next trip will be a proper winner ✔️✔️

[@billhatcher2984]

How much water got into the system and do you have any of the cans you filled to take a long if so check and see if maby you got it at a filling station anyway good luck hope you find a solution 👍

[@stewatparkpark2933]

May have got in via the tank breather outlet . The hose from the outlet back to the tank should loop UP as high as you can get into the top inside of the gunnel . This way any water pushed into the breather outlet by wave action hopefully drains down and out rather than running straight down into the tank .

[@iainhetherington4608]

Glad your all safe, I definitely reckon you are right about grabbing the cap for a hold point, I mean it was rough and nobody wants to fall in so they would’ve grabbed hold tighter than your demonstration. Don’t change the cap it’s not the caps fault, I would suggest a small grab rail over the cap, you know so it doesn’t interfere with filling Anyhow thanks for the the advice Mark Cheers from down South

[@jeffchaffee1235]

Love your show, Thank you

[@helenarusso]

Hello Jeff how are you doing 😊

[@Peter57808]

Where is the breather located for the fuel tank? It has to have one or there would be issues with overpressure or vacuum as the fuel is used. My barcrcrusher 535C has it located just forward of center on the starboard side and just below the gunnel on the outside of the hull. If I had moored my BC starboard side on to the weather, as you had, the conditions you experienced would have forced water into the tank via the breather. And yes a water separating filter unit would have allowed you to drain the water and get restarted.

[@stevegoode1504]

Thanks for the vid Mark. I think your correct, the catch has been popped open. thought i had lost my Yamaha forward control key. Found it later, under the control unit, and out of eye site. I must have accidently bumped it out, without realising it.

[@3wishesreefreshed249]

What about the breathers for the tank, could water have come in through them?

[@Davi.b]

I had 4 pre in line fuel filters . 2 with dump valves. I was very fussy with water in fuel. Out there you can't get out and push. 🤣💦. YOUR EXPLANATION IS VALID. But I am bewildered as to why the fill point is at the back of the boat. Maybe move your fill point to starboard gunnel behind the roof console. Remember to re locate your fuel breather as well. Always, Always use a stocking over the fuel pump nozzle as a filter. I have found wattle nuts in the fuel tank at the end of each season. That was a puzzle in itself. But I worked it out eventually. The servo I went to had wattle trees, and when the tankers delivered fuel, the nuts would fall into the tank at the ground fill point. Along with dirt and sand, etc. Again, I always put a cup of metho in my fuel tank a week b4 I was going out, giving the fuel time to separate any water. I had a 160 L tank. Pre run and check EVERY THING B4 TRIPS ALWAYS. there is to much that goes into planning a trip for it to fail. After a while your methodical perseverance will reward you with zero fails out there. In closing Water fuel power and air are key. Any one of these can give you problems on the day. SO CHECK MAINTAIN CONSTANTLY. 1 more thing. Never fuel up the day you go fishing. Residual fuel on your hands spoils bait scent. I mean would you eat a roast dinner with the smell of fuel on it. ? Enjoy ya days ahead M8. Now let's get STRETCHED . TIGHT LINES

[@nathanwooldridge85]

Other than a screw cap, could you think about a two stage opening. Could be as simple as a piece of flat plate that sits on top of the cap and secures to the boat somehow?

[@sick-mate]

I’d personally get the boating company to make the same sort of cap but over that press release put in a key lock style to hopefully avoid drunken grabs while taking a leak and put a hand rail close by so your not gabbing down low

[@waynemee8920]

Never moor a boat off the back again, even if the filler cap was open, that would not have happened. Next thing would be to get a water separator fitted in your fuel line, although it wouldn't have helped in this situation. I reckon that taking a wee or getting in the tender is the most likely culprit. And yeah, I'd be looking at swaping out that filler cap. Pretty cool being push button but yeah, it has it's traps. Most screw type fillers are raised enough and sealed, your angle would make it even safer for water ingress.

[@robbietownsley697]

i think you nailed it!! but i suggest you change your cap to a screw on type. best regards from south africa buddy.

[@Massiverobsfishing]

I've not long put one of those perko caps too need to keep an eye on it

[@rohantherockwiththerocketh7871]

Yeah, I'd agree someone popped the fuel cap. Changing it over to a threaded cap will do the job if you have a seal. Have fun mate!

[@igotatan1]

Ethanol fuel will absolutely create condensation in your tanks. Marine fuel tanks have vents on them, which in turn Ethanol attracts water. Add Isopropyl to your tanks to prevent it. A boat with that size motor should have a water separator on the fuel line regardless. Tight lines Amigo.

[@tishbrett]

The use of ethanol fuel is not that common even less in boats most dealer say not to use it

[@igotatan1]

@@tishbrett You must not live in the US. It is harder to find non-ethanol here. And here I thought we had a corn shortage, which is used to make ethanol...I guess not.

[@tishbrett]

@@igotatan1 in Australia most people dont use ethanol some servo’s dont even sell it and a lot of ethanol here is made from sugar cane

[@bdarley5]

As others have said fuel water seperate is a must on all boast

[@Ckktopa]

Hey Mark, I am with you, that fuel cap design looks not ideal. Surely there is something more robust

[@rankinspeed2805]

Great video i have the new F90 yam the boat came with the plastic bowl under the boat filter to see & drain water an Excellent idea & design. The motor has another small filter with electric sensor to catch water and activate the alarm. Tight little bugger to get out on land there is a special tool for it so you don't need grips. Old trick is a little methylated spirts will break down water in fuel in emergency. Mr google can assist on ratios. People drink it and lived don't panic people its a machine.

[@TheFar-FlungFarang]

It's been said many times now, your first and biggest mistake was the way you moored the boat. That area of the bay is notorious for mishaps, almost got caught out myself in a wind against tide situation there. I agree, the fuel cap maybe the cause, however, that breather to the right is the most likely in my mind. The angled surface, combined with the way the boat was facing in the waves likely caused small amounts of water to make it over the loop. How many waves hit that over a 24hr period? It would add up very quickly. Also, as the fuel tank cools during the night a vacuum is created, thereby sucking air and water back through the breather, effectively rendering any loops in the breather line useless when bombarded constantly. Best edit the video too, water police won't take too kindly to the consumption of alcohol by the captain.

[@foofeefog8908]

If there isn’t a loop at the top of your fuel vent water can get in that way. Either way a fuel/water separator is a must on any boat.

[@TroyR-bs4vs]

I had a similar issue where water leaking out of my bait tank all day was splashing on a similar fuel cap and water got in that way. It took a number of times before i worked it out, but before I did I added a fuel/water Seperator and that got me out of trouble a couple of times. Once I replaced the fuel cap with a screw type I have never had another issue with it,

[@davidmoore7303]

Don't rule out the fuel you buy. Plenty of dirty fuel sold.

[@elisabethteau6591]

I’d blame the beer. 😂😂

[@Ckktopa]

Your other option is to add a fuel water separator. Although I would have thought a modern boat would have one already...

[@andrewdubois457]

Another possibility is that the jerry can had water in it, glad it’s all sorted though. Tight lines 🎣

[@donreamer2]

My boat fuel vent line was installed wrong and allowed water to get my tank.. vent line should exit tank and go higher than fill opening then go down to the fitting in the hull. Check that.

[@stevejary3135]

Hi thoes feul caps have a vent inside the flip top cap.

[@SpiritOfTheHeretic]

If there is an atmospheric pressure differential between the tank and outside (poor weather moving to nicer weather) and there is water still splashing around the seal and it is not perfectly seated, that water is going to be forced in, even if it's small drops every couple of minutes.

[@GameDrop23]

What about the fuel vent?

[@C2N14-Boom]

Tie the bow to mooring and not how you had it. You had waves sloshing into the transom well and splashing all around your breather and filler. Install a water separator with an alarm and drain regularly, just as you did in the army.

[@KrystinDix]

The thing I noticed if the water was getting in whilst mored which seems quite likely. It is always a good idea to more from the fore deck, so that the wind is always pushing the stern away from the weather. The way that you had the boat was showing that waves were coming from aft and likely seeping in through crashing waves over the back.

[@avatarofpapermagic]

Check the fuel from the station you brought. Mate owns a bus company and you would be surprised how many sell dirty fuel

[@jasonabbott56]

Could be worse Could be like the guy that half filled his boat with fuel After fueling up using the rod holder 😮 I vote for a screw on lid ,that style looks far to easy to accidentally open as you showed

[@PLAYERSLAYER_22]

dude...

[@tonstasfishing]

Hi mate I would consider replacing the cap to the screw type as you mentioned.. I also run a fuel additive called Fuel Doctor it helps with moisture etc Good luck with it all.. this is part of boating we have all been in trouble one way or another.

[@malcolmcheyne3803]

GDay Mark. Cut the filler off a jerrycan and glue that in place. I'm sure you know how they work. Par Oneri.

[@georgetuider654]

Mark, a lot of good comments on this... Run only non-ethanol fuel. Add a water separator if you don't already have one. Establish a protocol on your boat that requires the person closest to the stern when someone is coming back inside to sound off: "CHECK EQUIPMENT!" The returning Piddler will inspect the cap, give them a thumbs up if it is secure and reply: "ALL O.K. STERN MASTER!" Hopefully, this was a once only. Tight lines!

[@ianreeders8546]

You shouldn't be mooring off the stern. Waves would have been hitting the breather all night long. It's lower than the cap. Always moor your boat from the bow

[@lynnpalfi4322]

30+ pees into the ocean. Criminy. All this time I thought the water was salty due to sperm whales! LOL. Just kidding. :-) Bright blessings Mark. Keep the vide coming. I watch this one as well as the Self Sufficient one and love them both. Enjoyed watching your wonderful camaraderie with your friends. Keep the vids coming.

[@k.p.1139]

Yep, new cap for sure.

[@dandeelstra]

I would change the cap to a screw system. Eliminates that as the issue.

[@ZacBassFL]

Probably not but maybe there was water in the can somehow before you filled the boat tank.

[@mrsbradpittiful]

Your fuel tank will have a breather there is next to zero chance of getting enough condensation in your tank to effect the motor

[@djmini2numpty141]

screw cap fuel lids are the go , neverfail

[@ironman2232]

Too low octane fuel...big issue, is ethanol...ethanol is hydroscopic and causes condensation in the tank, resulting in water separating from the fuel and settling to the bottom of the tank and being picked up to the motor.

[@robmoller2658]

Big tip for you mate ,, go to supercheap and buy some fuel doctor and add to your fuel every month or so . Just read directions and fuel will be trouble free from moisture. !!!!

[@lukemc1989able]

Get yourself a inline water/fuel separator

[@geoffbrumpton8544]

I’m sure it’s been mentioned, water separation filters are a must , the boat should not of been sold to you without one 🤦‍♂️

[@mce_AU]

That cap is shockingly bad. Needs to be replaced by something much better. Northside aught to be ashamed of themselves for having that cap design.

[@davidbarrett7459]

First off Northside Marine is a boat dealer not the manufacturer of the boat, so why should they be "ashamed of themselves", there are hundreds if not thousands of those caps in use and no proof that that was the issue. It was never confirmed in the video how much water was in the fuel tank, was it a small amount, or a liter or so, we also don't know if there was a fuel/water separator installed which if not would be on the dealer, as others have mentioned they are considered a mandatory piece of safety equipment on boats with built-in fuel tanks. Let's not slag the dealer or the boat manufacturer until we know for sure what the conclusion was, I'm sure the dealer would have seen this before it's a common issue with this model. I love the content on this channel and look forward to more videos,

[@mce_AU]

@@davidbarrett7459 They sell the product. That should have been obvious.

[@wildchook745]

Write to the manufacturer and ask them to do something different to the petrol lid. And, get them to watch this video.

[@kyletownsend5247]

Maybe add a handle to grab when goin over for a pee, couldnt hurt

[@AK2HI]

Never seen a fuel fill on a boat that doesn't sit flush with rail and needs to be screwed on with a tool.that cap you have should never be on a boat

[@troyrowy6709]

Yeah definitely get a screw in cap. One you need a flat blade type tool to open

[@EddyGurge]

We're sure it wasn't from the jerry can?

[@ijustlovequality5337]

For peace of mind, I would recommend a fuel/water separator with a warning sensor so that as soon as you get a bit of water in there, it will let you know, you can drain it, and keep on your way.

[@elenidemos]

A keyed or rfid to physically open the fuel inlet. Simple, easy & relatively "cheap".

[@WHDRWN]

bust out another thousand

[@downunderdave5417]

Just Don't Drink on the water!!!!! I'm a Piss Pot and NEVER drink on a small boat!

[@larryfeathers1562]

Tip on pissing off the boat. Much safer to piss onto a small bucket and toss it over.

[@tonywiseman7542]

Stick to what you do best,that's gardening Mark.

[@Zuludarkthirty]

So what you are saying is that mark should not try new things and not work out what went wrong with his boat?

[@gladlawson61]

Mmmm somoene pissed in your tank bruh

[@yep.fishing]

Terrible design, cant believe it....i dont have a stabi but i really like them so that's disappointing

[@Cathey56]

get empty coffee can pee in it dump it when done . that way nobody falls over bored.

[@lgg5048]

…. or there was water in your jerry can?

[@stephenjeacocke1530]

Common problem is where is you breather for the fuel tank ? If boat is left sitting with fuel in it and not full condensation at night time. Is drawn in as fuel cools down and thru evaporation you end with less fuel more air space every day. Allowing greater quantities of air into the tank at night water. Is heavy as you know sinks and accumulates in tank till you finally have a problem. Als depends where it’s placed in boat general sea spay gets sucked in also while driving Many ways to fix all these problems