what to do if your boat runs out of gas

Learn what to do if your boat runs out of gas. Secure your vessel, call for help, and stay safe with our expert tips and towing advice.

Running out of gas on a boat can transform a pleasant day on the water into a stressful ordeal. Whether you’re cruising on a lake or navigating coastal waters, a fuel-less vessel poses safety risks and logistical challenges. This guide provides a detailed, actionable plan to handle such a situation, along with preventive strategies to ensure it doesn’t happen again. From securing your boat to calling for help, we’ll cover every step to keep you and your crew safe, plus tips to avoid this predicament in the first place.

Immediate Actions When Your Boat Runs Out of Gas

When your boat’s engine sputters to a halt due to an empty fuel tank, staying calm and methodical is critical. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what to do:

1. Secure the Boat

The first priority is to prevent your boat from drifting into dangerous areas, such as shipping channels, shallow waters, or rocky shores.

• Drop the Anchor: Deploy your anchor immediately to hold your position. Ensure you have enough anchor line (scope) for the water depth—typically 7:1 in calm conditions (e.g., 7 feet of line for every 1 foot of depth). This keeps your boat stationary, making it easier for rescuers to locate you and preventing collisions with hazards.
• Wear Life Jackets: Ensure everyone on board wears a properly fitted life jacket. Even in calm conditions, unexpected waves or weather changes can pose risks. U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets are mandatory, and children under 13 must wear them at all times on a moving vessel in most jurisdictions.

2. Assess Your Situation

Evaluate your surroundings to determine the level of urgency:

• Proximity to Hazards: Check for nearby rocks, shoals, or heavy boat traffic. If you’re in a high-risk area, prioritize contacting emergency services.
• Distance from Shore: Use your GPS, chartplotter, or cell phone to determine how far you are from land. Note landmarks (e.g., buoys, lighthouses, or distinctive coastline features) to aid rescuers if GPS is unavailable.
• Weather Conditions: Monitor the weather. Strong winds or currents can complicate your situation, so prepare for potential changes by securing loose items and ensuring passengers are sheltered.

3. Call for Help

Once the boat is secure, contact assistance using available communication tools:

• VHF Radio: If equipped, use Channel 16 to contact the U.S. Coast Guard or a commercial towing service like Sea Tow or TowBoatUS. Provide your precise location using GPS coordinates (latitude and longitude) or describe nearby landmarks. For example: “We’re stranded near Buoy 94 on the Intracoastal Waterway, approximately 2 miles south of Marina X.”
• Cell Phone: If you’re within cell service range, call a friend, family member, local marina, or a towing service. Save emergency numbers in your phone, including the Coast Guard (911 or local station) and towing companies. Apps like Boatsetter or marine-specific GPS apps can also provide location data.
• Signal for Help: If communication devices are unavailable, use visual or audible signals to attract nearby boaters. Wave both arms overhead or use a compressed air horn (e.g., Better Boat Air Horn, 3.5oz, $15–$20). At night, deploy emergency flares or activate a distress light.

4. Conserve Resources

While awaiting help, manage your resources to maintain safety and communication:

• Battery Power: Turn off non-essential electronics (e.g., stereos, cabin lights) to preserve battery life for restarting the engine or powering the radio. A typical marine battery (e.g., Group 24, 70–80 Ah) can last 4–6 hours for basic communication if managed properly.
• Water and Supplies: Ensure access to drinking water and weather-appropriate clothing. A small boat should carry at least 1 liter of water per person for emergencies. Stow extra jackets or blankets to protect against wind or cold, especially at night.

5. Prepare for Refueling or Towing

When assistance arrives, you may receive fuel or a tow:

• Refueling at Sea: On calm days, transferring fuel from portable cans (e.g., 5-gallon marine-grade containers, $25–$50) is straightforward. In rough conditions, it’s safer to be towed to a marina or calm waters. Pour fuel carefully to avoid spills, which can damage the marine environment and incur fines.
• Towing: Professional towing services like Sea Tow or TowBoatUS charge $150–$500+ per incident without membership. A membership ($179–$249/year) often covers fuel delivery, towing, and other services, potentially saving thousands. For example, Sea Tow’s Gold Card membership includes unlimited towing within a designated area.
• Restarting the Engine: After adding fuel, prime the system. For outboards, squeeze the fuel line primer bulb until firm. Inboards or sterndrives rely on built-in fuel pumps. Start the engine cautiously and monitor for issues, as running a tank dry can draw debris into the fuel system, clogging filters.

Flowchart: Handling a Boat Out of Gas

Preventive Measures to Avoid Running Out of Gas

Prevention is the best defense against running out of fuel. Here’s how to stay prepared:

1. Know Your Boat’s Fuel Consumption

Understanding your boat’s range and fuel efficiency is crucial:

• Manufacturer Data: Check your boat’s manual for fuel consumption rates (gallons per hour, GPH) at different speeds. For example, a 20-foot outboard boat with a 115 HP engine may burn 5 GPH at 20 knots but 15 GPH at 30 knots.
• Optimal Cruising Speed: Find the speed where fuel efficiency peaks, typically 60–75% of maximum throttle. A fuel-flow meter (e.g., Lowrance Fuel Flow Sensor, $200) provides real-time GPH data, far more reliable than analog gauges.
• Fuel Tank Capacity: Know your usable fuel capacity (total capacity minus 10% reserve). For example, an 80-gallon tank has ~72 usable gallons.

Table: Sample Fuel Consumption for a 20-Foot Outboard Boat

Note: Range assumes 90% usable fuel and constant conditions.

2. Follow the One-Third Rule

Adopt the maritime rule of thumb for fuel planning:

• 1/3 Outbound: Use one-third of your fuel to reach your destination.
• 1/3 Return: Reserve one-third for the return trip.
• 1/3 Reserve: Keep one-third as a safety margin for weather, currents, or navigation errors.

For a 75-mile round trip, a boat with an 80-gallon tank burning 5 GPH at 20 knots (4 hours out, 4 hours back) uses 40 gallons, leaving a 32-gallon reserve.

3. Monitor Fuel Levels

Boat fuel gauges are notoriously unreliable due to tank shape, boat angle, and sensor wear. Instead:

• Calibrate Manually: Note gauge readings when filling the tank to estimate actual fuel levels. For example, if “half” on the gauge equals 40 gallons, you can track consumption more accurately.
• Use Digital Tools: Modern boats with digital displays (e.g., Garmin GMI 20, $550) track fuel usage precisely. Reset the meter at each fill-up to monitor real-time consumption.

4. Carry Extra Fuel

For small boats or short trips, carry a marine-grade fuel canister (e.g., Scepter 5-Gallon Portable Tank, $40). Secure it to prevent movement, and ensure it’s approved for marine use to avoid leaks or fumes. Gasoline weighs 6.1 pounds per gallon, so a 5-gallon can adds 30.5 pounds—factor this into your boat’s weight capacity.

5. Plan Your Route

Create a float plan and share it with a trusted contact. Include:

• Route Details: Planned course, stops, and estimated return time.
• Vessel Description: Boat type, size, color, and registration number.
• Passenger List: Names and number of people on board.
• Emergency Contact: A “zero hour” when to alert authorities if you don’t return or check in.

Use apps like Navionics or Garmin ActiveCaptain to map fuel stops and marinas along your route. For example, U.S. Coast Pilots list fuel docks in coastal areas, while local charts mark lake facilities.

6. Invest in Towing Membership

A towing membership is a cost-effective safety net:

• Sea Tow: Gold Card membership ($179/year) covers unlimited towing, fuel delivery, and jump-starts within a home port area. Additional fees apply for long-distance tows.
• TowBoatUS: Unlimited Towing Plan ($159/year) offers similar benefits, with discounts on fuel at partnered marinas.
• Insurance Add-Ons: Some marine insurance policies (e.g., Progressive, ~$500/year for a $50,000 vessel) include towing coverage—check your policy.

Table: Towing Membership Comparison

7. Maintain Your Fuel System

Running a tank dry can draw sediment into the fuel lines, clogging filters or injectors. After an incident:

• Inspect Filters: Check and replace fuel filters (e.g., Racor 10-Micron Filter, $20–$30) if you suspect contamination.
• Clean the Tank: Schedule professional tank cleaning every 3–5 years to remove sludge, especially in older boats.

Real-Life Scenario: Lessons from a Fuel Mishap

Consider the case of a couple enjoying a day on their new-to-them boat. The vessel had a temporary fuel tank with no working gauge, and they underestimated their fuel needs after a long day of cruising. After dropping off friends, they ventured out again, only to realize the tank was nearly empty when it began rocking underfoot. They initially tried to “gun it” to a marina, burning through the last drops of fuel and stranding themselves. Their brother attempted a rescue but also ran low on fuel, turning a simple mistake into a comedy of errors. A Sea Tow membership could have resolved the issue quickly, delivering fuel for ~$50 (member rate) instead of a $300+ tow.

Key Takeaways:

• Always check fuel levels before extending a trip.
• Avoid high speeds when low on fuel—doubling speed from 7.5 to 9 knots can triple consumption (e.g., 30 to 90 gallons for 75 miles).
• Use towing services for non-emergencies to avoid compounding mistakes.

Emergency Equipment Checklist

Ensure your boat is equipped for fuel-related emergencies:

When to Contact the Coast Guard

The U.S. Coast Guard prioritizes life-threatening emergencies (e.g., fire, sinking, medical issues). For non-emergencies like running out of fuel, they typically coordinate with towing services. Contact them via Channel 16 if:

• You’re in immediate danger (e.g., drifting toward rocks).
• No commercial towing is available within a reasonable time.
• You lack communication devices and can’t signal for help.

Provide your location, vessel description, and the nature of the emergency. Avoid using 911 unless you’re within cell range and no VHF is available.

Conclusion

Running out of gas on a boat is a preventable but common issue that requires calm, decisive action. By securing your vessel, calling for help, and conserving resources, you can ensure the safety of your crew until assistance arrives. Better yet, adopt preventive habits: know your boat’s fuel consumption, follow the one-third rule, carry extra fuel, and invest in a towing membership. With proper planning and the right equipment, you’ll keep your boating adventures safe and enjoyable, leaving fuel mishaps as a story to laugh about later.

For more on boat safety and insurance, visit BoatUS or contact a marine insurance provider at 910-762-8551.

Happy Boating!

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