Petrol engine refuelling

[Helen L]

Hi Everyone,
I am a first time motor boat owner, mooring at Watermouth near Ilfracombe. The harbour is tidal so Outboard motors were a must which has led us to petrol. we have 2x300l tanks - but nowhere that I can find to refuel! Does anyone know how to find out which harbours have petrol pumps as opposed to just diesel?
Thanks,
Helen.

 

[dpb]

This will help but probably only to confirm that on the north West Country Coast you are out of luck unless you fancy a walk with cans. Not very practical for 600 liters.

http://www.visitmyharbour.com/harbours/bristol-channel/?pg=1&

Probably best to consider trailering if your boat isn't too big so you can use road garages or moving to the south coast where petrol is easier to find.

 

[jct1981]

Not a direct help I'm afraid, but if you do end up using cans I strongly recommend a jiggle syphon. I've used one from Amazon.com for a couple of years (a whole £7) and it's an easy and no mess way to drain a can without holding 20 litres in your arms for a few minutes (which is surprisingly tiring!).

Upgraded at the boat show to a wider bore syphon from www.superpump.com - splashed out at £17. Empties a 20l can in about a minute.

 

[Helen L]

Thank you. It seems that this is going to be very helpful! Appreciate your reply. Helen

 

[robrennie]

I went to Swansea Marina a few times, no petrol on the water, but Sainsbury's is very close by.

We just carried two 20L plastic fuel tanks - and walked across there - a bit of a bore but not that bad.

Cardiff marina used to have Petrol on the water - worth a call to see.

Take care with Watchet, no fuel on the water and no petrol station in the town.

Portishead did have petrol, again, suggest a call to ensure they still do.

Best of luck with your new boat.

 

[Helen L]

Many thanks. Much appreciated, Helen.

 

[Ferris]

Maybe get a portable fuel tank, this one holds 14gal and has an integrated pump.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B0...ramax+fuel&dpPl=1&dpID=41gtFZICT3L&ref=plSrch

 

[GrahamHR]

Jerry cans; when we had a petrol (inboard) powered boat with a 300 litre or so tank, we had 6 x 20 litre ones. ( now empty and redundant in the garage). You get to know the petrol stations that'll allow you to fill them; on the coast, most are OK with it. Heavy to get to the boat though. We always used a Machine Mart syphon pumo, be biggest one , no problems in 14 seasons of using it, large bore pipe, ( 1" ++) with very quick offloading. Just take sensible precautions.

As to the legality of carrying petrol in containers ? I've heard tales of 2 x 5 litres being the max. Someone should tell the RNLI that, I saw a van delivering petrol to a RNLI station where they use petrol outboards, they must have had 50+ plastic petrol 5 litre jerry cans.

 

[BruceK]

If there are any others like you there how are they doing it? Maybe band together and form a small co-op with a petrol bowser delivery?

 

[ari]

Years ago I had a petrol boat and filled it with cans (using a jiggle syphon - as has been said, excellent device). Not because thee was no availability but because it was 50p/litre dearer at the marina. Spend a couple of hours shuffling 200 litres across and it was £100 saved! However I'm lead to believe that a lot of petrol stations have really clamped down on how much you can put into cans these days. Of course if you're crafty about slipping the cans out of the boot and filling them, I'm not sure what they can do if you go in to pay and they say you can't do that, but if they see you I suppose they can remotely shut the pump down. It was a PITA though, and the car permanently seemed to stink of petrol, even with cans that sealed well.

 

[Helen L]

Genius idea. Found some large (expensive) ones. This really helps. Thank you.

 

[Helen L]

yep, worth checking this out. Thanks!

 

[[70521]]

Watermouth is a lovely position, but facilities are sparse. Hope you find a solution.

 

[vodzurk]

Portishead has a petrol pump on the water (we use it). If outside 9-5, might be worth checking ahead of time though, because it's typically attended, and the guy in the watchtower needs to stay there when he's the only guy on duty.

I've got 2 of these (link) ready in the event we go anywhere that doesn't have fuel (though we've not ventured far enough, being our first year as boat owners). We used them a couple of times whilst we were in Bristol, along with 2x 5L ones. I wouldn't keep fuel stored in the 20L ones I bought, only transport it (they don't seem great quality). I'm also considering getting a fold up light trolly (like this), as lugging the buggers 100 metres from a boot to the boat wasn't exactly enjoyable for my spine.

 

[rafiki_]

Portishead has a petrol pump on the water (we use it). If outside 9-5, might be worth checking ahead of time though, because it's typically attended, and the guy in the watchtower needs to stay there when he's the only guy on duty.
QUOTE]
My experience of Portishead was the fuel pumps are unattended, and as a result you can use them 24/7, just call up on the VHF and they will activate the pump. You do need to pop up to the marina office to pay, or they wont let you out