Newbie to R29. Which Diesel fuel?

[BucknEddies]

Good Mornng

We are new to Ranger Tugs (just purchased a 2012 R-29). We are also new to diesel boat engines. Question:
Is there a recommended diesel fuel for the YanMar 260?
I've been told "Red Diesel" #2, but is "auto diesel" extra low sulphur better? Please advise.

Thanks!
EV

 

[bob daily]

It’s the same except for the red dye to distinguish it from on road diesel. One is taxed at a higher rate, off road diesel (red) is not taxed for road use.
The only difference you will notice is in your wallet. Bob

 

[venajeff]

Something I just found out lately is that in some states you can apply for a tax refund on fuels used in a boat if you paid the road tax. I have not tried it yet, but was wondering if anyone here had done it and actually received money back.

 

[BucknEddies]

It’s the same except for the red dye to distinguish it from on road diesel. One is taxed at a higher rate, off road diesel (red) is not taxed for road use.
The only difference you will notice is in your wallet. Bob

Thanks very much!!

 

[BucknEddies]

Something I just found out lately is that in some states you can apply for a tax refund on fuels used in a boat if you paid the road tax. I have not tried it yet, but was wondering if anyone here had done it and actually received money back.

Thank you!!

 

[gswearin]

Something I just found out lately is that in some states you can apply for a tax refund on fuels used in a boat if you paid the road tax. I have not tried it yet, but was wondering if anyone here had done it and actually received money back.

Hi, yes in Washington when I had a trailered boat I would get a refund of the road taxes, less sales tax. I think there may be an app now.

 

[Red Raven]

Most marinas sell only the red diesel and thus you save the road tax if you fill up there. When on the road there are a few service stations that have the red diesel available without the road tax. Besides using for boats it is legal to use in tractors or other non road use vehicles.

 

[LMRanger]

Here in San Diego fuel at any one of the 3 marine fuel piers is $1.70 - $2.70 more per gallon for the red diesel then diesel at most gas stations.
So if I had the trailer and a truck able to tow my R25SC I would put road use tax fuel in it and save hundreds.
My previous boat was a Catalina 34 with a 23 gallon tank and I could top it off every 5 or 6 months using a 5 gallon can. Not so with the RT25 when I'm looking at 30-40 gallons at a time.

Ralph

 

[fishheadbarandgrill]

Something I just found out lately is that in some states you can apply for a tax refund on fuels used in a boat if you paid the road tax. I have not tried it yet, but was wondering if anyone here had done it and actually received money back.

My did did that for years for our ski boat in North Carolina. He saved the receipts. Not sure what the process was, but I know he did it. He got the road tax back for any gas he put in the boat

 

[Submariner]

In WA state... gas all has the road tax in it. Diesel, at a fuel dock, often is red dyed, and has no road tax. I've done the refund process for gasoline in Channel Surfing for several years. Some years I don't do it (like, last year). There's also an app known as the "Gallons app", which as I've heard from others, has been non-functioning for many many months (no processing of claims, no refunds, no email replies...).

The good news is, the WA state legislature increased the road tax for gas by 6 cents, and they increased the road tax on diesel by 3 cents. Each will go up 2% annually going forward. That'll help make filling for a refund on boats worth it for the last half of this year as the tax increase goes into effect in July.

Here's an unlisted/private YouTube video I did talking about the road tax in WA state and my thoughts on the gallons app.

Is the refund on the road tax worth it?