I am curious what others are doing during the offseason - are you keeping your diesel fuel tanks full, empty or partially full? What are you doing and why?
I've had several boats over the years of various types and I've tried all the mainstream strategies. I don't feel there's a material difference between full, partially full, and empty. However, all else being equal I'm inclined to fill up before storage just because the fuel seems to be cheaper than in the following spring.
The insistence on full tanks comes from gas. That's where you have the condensation issues. I've known many gas tanks to have water in them from being left empty over winter, but I've never known it to be a problem with diesel.
Usually around 3/4 full. No particular reason, it's just what I do.
CMS did some tests, you will find them on his website. No difference in condensation between empty and full.
Who's CMS?
Link to the test?
CMS did some tests, you will find them on his website. No difference in condensation between empty and full.
CMS is a member here. CMS is Rod Collins, a ABYC certified marine electrician. He posts on many forums as “Maine Sail”. He is an independent contractor who has provided boaters helpful advice for years as well as running his own marine services business in Maine.
I think Rod got tired of answering the same questions repeatedly but he has posted tons of articles on a variety of topics on his website www.marinehowto.com. I believe the article describing his fuel tank tests are on his website.
The website is a great resource. Rod also sells some gear from his website and I’ve found his prices to be very competitive, plus I much prefer to support someone who has given me, and so many others, excellent advice over the years.