fuel treatment

[SPembleton]

I am a day sailor that uses very little fuel over the course of a season.  Last season I used only 5 gal.  At the end of the season I treated the fuel for winter.  This year i have probably only used 1 or 2 gallons.  As i start thinking about winter, should i: 1. Just leave it alone - does the protection wear out after a year?, 2. Treat the fuel again as if it were all fresh fuel- can you overtreat the fuel? 3. Sail to the Caribbean for the winter? 4. Something else?

[Fred Koehlmann]

I would like to opt for #3, but that may have to wait for now.

We sail on Georgian Bay and winter Dolphina in Midland. We typically try to keep the tank full over the winter. After a few week trip, i'll also fill it back up. For the winter i add the biocide before filling, and yes i do this every winter. So far no problem. We also regularly switch out the fuel filters. About every second year.

[Ron Hill]

Steve : I'd also opt for option #3.

Caution as you can overtreat fuel if you are using BioBore Jr. (sp?).  I'm told You can't overtreat if you are using Starbright enzyme additive. 

Why not call Westerbeke @ the numbers I've posted and ask Joe or Russ?

A thought

[SPembleton]

Thank you both. I will call Westerbeke on Tuesday and post here what they say in case anyone else is interested.

[Mick Laver]

Practical Sailor did a fairly extensive writeup on diesel fuel additives in August 2013. Their conclusion was that Starbrite Startron enzyme treatment was hands-down the best product for corrosion protection (supposed to last up to 2 years, according to Starbrite's blurb) but Biobor JF was the best biocidal agent. Since they do different things PS actually suggests using both. To quote:

"Biobor JF is perhaps the most widely used biocide for diesel and jet fuel. It has proven very effective against biological contaminants, and rated highly in our biocide testing trials. Unfortunately, it apparently does nothing to combat water-induced corrosion. (snip)  Interestingly, the combined Star Tron/Biobor JF blend performed well against corrosion. Assuming this blend retains Biobor's bacteria-fighting ability, this would be a good concoction to use regularly.

Used without permission. I hope the PS lawyers don't come after me.

[Ken Juul]

IIRC BioborJr does not mix with the fuel.  It just sits in the bottom of the tank doing it's thing.  Unless you use more than 95% of the fuel in the tank, another dose is not needed with each fill up.

[Ed Shankle]

If it sits on the bottom might it get get taken up in the fuel hose and consumed? It'll be interesting to hear what Westerbeke says.

Regards,
Ed

[Mike and Joanne Stimmler]

Steve,
If you do opt for #3 I'm available as crew.   

[Stu Jackson]

I haven't used anything for the past 10 years.  I refill once every three months with 10 gallons, now I'm refilling every second day on our cruise up the coast from SF to Vancouver Island!   I think it's snake oil.

[Ken Juul]

It took a dockmate about a week of flushing and 6 or7 racors to get her tank clean.  I saw the original filter, black goey mess.  Remote location, polishing and other services not available.  Too far to tow.  Small price to pay to keep the slime out of the tank.

[Stu Jackson]

....................Small price to pay to keep the slime out of the tank.

I hear ya, Ken.  But one anomaly, and perhaps even a gasp! dilemma, is that our boats come with pretty hefty fuel tanks.  I am very pleased we have the range we do for our current voyage, 'cuz one town didn't have any diesel fuel and we had no problems just pushing on.

The issue is for those who either use their boats so rarely or use their engines so rarely and then buy into the urban myth that they have to keep their fuel tanks full during the winter.

One simply can't have it both ways.