Polishing fuel

[Father's Day]

Hello Everyone
I have another boat in another state , a floating condo. Last year, my 1st year of ownership I took it out three times and spent time on it maybe 6 other occasions , always starting and letting it run 15 minutes each time I was there and didn't take it out.
When winterizing it I added Stabil, since I really don't know how the previous owner used it, would getting the fuel polished for precautionary reasons make any sense. Boat runs fine just bothering me. Motors are Mercruiser 350's with around 100 gals in the each tank.
Any thoughts would be appreciated

 

[DennisG01]

Can you polish gas? I thought only diesel could be truly polished?

But... do this... take the fuel filter off and dump it into a clear jar (spaghetti). Let it sit for an hour and observe. Smell it, look at the color, look for separation. If all is good, go boating. If not, it depends on how bad it is. If it's iced tea, nothing you can really do. If there's separation, pump fuel out till you get to good fuel (do this after the boat has sat level/calm for quite a while). Ideally, siphon through the fuel sender so you can get to the true bottom of the tank. Obviosuly, use a gas-rated pump. Next best would be to remove the AS valve 9depending how strong the pump is) in the tank pickup and pump it out that way.

Post pics of the fuel in the jar if you want opinions on it.

 

[SeaVee]

I had my auxiliary tank polished when I bought my Grady White as the prior owner never used it. It’s pretty impressive how they can clean it up.

 

[Father's Day]

Did they take your senders out and get to the bottom of the tank? The boat's in 88 and he said typically in his experience there'll be a gallon or so of sludge when they're done.

 

[SkunkBoat]

If you have ~200 gals of 1 year old (or older?) gas you are better off removing it and burning it in cars & lawn mowers(assuming it is not garbage). Then clean the tanks and start fresh with only what you might burn in a season.

If thats what you mean by Polish, then yes do that. Don't just "polish" the old gas and put it back.


1988 tanks are past due for replacement.

 

[Father's Day]

Yeah I'm a couple of hours away from home so using the gas outside the boat isn't a option. For $600 I thought it was a good option. Once the tanks are cleaned I plan on running it down to 1/4 tank, filling up and using the boat more this year now that in retired