Silverton 34C, Owner'S Manual

Page: 103 / 212

SYSTEM OPERATIONS-45
General Guidelines For Fueling
Your
Yacht
Improper fueling procedures can cause
boat
fi res and explosions. It is imperative
that the following procedures be followed
every time you fuel your boat:
Leaking fuel is a fi re and explosion
hazard; personal injury or death could
occur.
Before fueling, check the fuel system for
leaks and repair or replace any compo-
nents prior to fueling or starting your en-
gines, generator or any electrical device.
If possible, fuel your boat during daylight
hours. Check fuel vents to assure the fuel
tanks are not over-
fi lled. Fuel spills are
easier to detect when visibility is good.
In very warm weather, DO NOT “top off”
the fuel tanks, as the fuel will expand as it
heats up and spill out the vents.
Make sure you are using the correct fuel
type required by the engine manufacturer.
Using the wrong type of fuel will result
in severe damage to the engines.
Be sure to turn off all engines, the gen-
erator and all devices that could create
a spark prior to fueling. Battery switches
should also be shut off to prevent sparks
from any electrical device.
Disconnect shore power.
Extinguish all smoking materials and
any other items that may create a spark.
Completely close all doors, ports, hatch-
es and windows and ask guests to leave
the boat during fueling.
Before fueling, touch the fuel nozzle
to the fuel fi ll cap to discharge any static
electricity. Open the designated fi ll pipe,
insert the nozzle while maintaining contact
with the side of the
fi ll pipe.
After pumping several gallons, STOP.
Inspect engine and tank compartments for
any signs of leakage.
DO NOT continue fueling if leaks or the
smell of fuel are present. Contact a quali-
fi ed technician to inspect your boat and
repair it before continuing to fuel.
If no leaks are noted, continue fueling
allowing for expansion in warmer weather.
Slow the
fl ow as approaching full to avoid
over fl ow.
Once full, remove nozzle, replace fi ll
cover tightly and clean up any spills.
After fueling has been completed, open
all hatches, doors and compartments.
Visually check all fuel
fi ttings, lines and
tanks for leakage, including engine and
generator fuel lines. Immediately notify a
quali
fi ed technician of any problems and
correct them before proceeding.
Turn main battery switches on to oper-
ate bilge blower. Ventilate all bilges for at
least
fi ve minutes.