What if I run out of gas?

[steven_ickman]

Ok so this is my first boat so now for the noob questions... I have no intentions of running out of gas but should I run out of gas (or have an engine failure) I'm assuming I'd use the radio to issue a pan-pan. Who should I expect to respond? If my car was to break down I'd call AAA. Is it the coast guard in this case? Should I expect there to be a financial cost of some sort should the coast guard respond? Should I carry a tow rope just in case?

-steve

 

[Auklet]

Google "Vessel assist" or "Boat US". Let's hope that you never have any "gas" to run out of.

 

[nzfisher]

Part of your boat insurance should include insurance for trailering your boat as well as towing insurance while on the water, (see the previous post). It would be a good thing for you to find out if there is a company that offers towing from your home port. Typically you can find this out from the co. that is providing your towing insurance. I believe their obligation is to tow you to the nearest port or their home port, not necessarily your home port. You should check on this. Often they will work with coast guard if lives are at risk. The most common reasons for towing are bad fuel and dead batteries. Jumper cables are a good item to have in your repair kit.

The procedure is calling on 16, briefly explain the situation- the coast guard will move you to another channel to get details. You should have your boat name & size, situation, and lat and long ready. Sometimes other boaters will offer assistance but not always depending on the situation.

This is a ling to boat distress procedures from coast guard if you want detail-

http://www.uscg.mil/directives/cim/1600 ... 114_5C.pdf

 

[knotflying]

I don't think you will ever run out of gas if you use diesel. 😉 . Tow Boat US is a great service and piece of mind for any issues you may have in the event that towing is necessary. They will also bring fuel if you should run out.

 

[Lone Star Ranger]

I agree with knotflying, you should never run out of gas on a diesel. 😀

My personal technique is that I don't let the fuel gauge get below 1/2 tank. That way I know I have fuel at all times. Additionally, when we go out on a weekend trip, and before we return to our slip, I top off my tank. That way I know my tank is full for the next trip. But like I said, that's just the technique I use.

Hope that helps.

 

[steven_ickman]

Well my dinghy could run out of gas 🙂 Seriously though... Thanks for the replies. Nzfisher it was the procedure that I mainly wanted to know so thank you. I'll check with my insurance company (state farm) on the towing insurance. Lone star I was planning to follow the same 1/2 tank rule and so far I've just been topping off before coming back in. I hope I never need a tow but if I ever do it shouldn't be because I ran out of "fuel" 🙂

-steve

 

[JamesTXSD]

A suggestion for a new owner: take a safe boating course. US Power Squadron or Coast Guard AUX offer classes. It will jump start your learning curve. Besides safety items, you will learn about operating procedures, rules of the road, navigation, docking - all things that will make your boating experience safer and more fun. There will likely be some info on towing...

There are a lot of things beside "running out of gas" that could lead to a towing situation - best to be prepared for those before you are in the situation.

Sometimes, you don't know what you don't know.

Congrats on the new boat and lifestyle!

Jim B.

 

[Kimo]

Those Ranger & Cutwater Owners who currently are insured through the Ranger Tug & Cutwater Boats Insurance Program do have Commercial Towing coverage while on the water and is included in their policy at no additional charge.

Most all high quality "Yacht Policy" coverage does include such towing coverage for sure.
Having Vessel Assist or Boat. U.S. towing always adds a bit more security but the coverage already exists if insured with the program and check your existing policy for it will state such.

Here is how the Policy Reads with the Program:

Commercial Towing/Emergency Service:
We (Travelers Luxury Yacht Division) will pay up to the amount of Commercial Towing/Emergency service coverage shown on the Declaration Page ($10,000) for the following reasonable costs you incur if your yacht is disabled from a cause other than a covered loss:
1. Towing to the nearest facility where proper repairs can be made.
2. Emergency Labor at the breakdown site
3. The Delivery of fuel, oil, battery, or Repair parts (Excluding payment for the cost of these items)
4. Yacht Trailer Road service.
This coverage is Excess of other collectable insurance and NOT subject to a deductible.

Hope that helps.
Happy Boating
Kimo S.

 

[steven_ickman]

A suggestion for a new owner: take a safe boating course.

Jim, my wife and I did just that. We took a boating safety course through the power squadron to get our boater education card. We also took a separate day of on-the-water training in addition to the day we got from Bellingham Yachts when they delivered the boat. We didn't have a boat yet when we took those classes so we didn't have as much context. I think I'd get more from them now.

-steve

 

[steven_ickman]

I should also add that we're attending the Points North seminar in April so I'm all for getting as much education on our new hobby as I can.

-steve

 

[JamesTXSD]

Good for you, Steve. The more you know, the better prepared you can be. I am a big believer in continuing education for all mariners. You have a great boat and a wonderful cruising area where you live.

Best wishes,
Jim B.

 

[coreychamness]

I can definitely echo the recommendation to not go below 1/2 tank of diesel. We had over 30 gal indicated when we ran dry. BoatUS towing service was useful to take us the last 1/4 mi to our homeport. Unfortunately I missed a golden opportunity to calibrate zero with the tank at empty. It happens to even the pros - I remember when our day tank ran dry at night on the USCG Cutter xxxxxxxx at night off the coast of Cuba. Nothing like the sound of silence to wake everyone up at night...
I will definitely fill far above indicated empty in future.

 

[Dale777]

I can definitely echo the recommendation to not go below 1/2 tank of diesel. We had over 30 gal indicated when we ran dry. BoatUS towing service was useful to take us the last 1/4 mi to our homeport. Unfortunately I missed a golden opportunity to calibrate zero with the tank at empty. It happens to even the pros - I remember when our day tank ran dry at night on the USCG Cutter xxxxxxxx at night off the coast of Cuba. Nothing like the sound of silence to wake everyone up at night...
I will definitely fill far above indicated empty in future.

Corey,

Was the "30 gallon indicated" from the Garmin chartplotter or the Volvo gauge?

 

[Scuffy]

Well the first thing I'd do is drop your anchor. Leave out about five or six times your depth in rode for proper scope. Then can decide who you want to call. I would not normally call the coasties unless you were in imminent danger. Boat U.S. or SeaTow come to mind. Don't go anywhere unless you are signed up or your insurance covers towing. The towing charges can be breath taking. The insurance is cheap in the grand scheme of things. AAA ought to offer a land and sea package.
D.D.

 

[LADYBUG TOO]

I strongly recommend tow insurance with Tow Boat US or another recognized company. Under maritime law one must be very carefully how and what assistance you request as a vessel lending assistance may have a salvage claim against your vessel. Also, question the tow vessel even if it is your tow insurance carrier. Hard groundings are sometimes not covered and you could get a nasty bill. The Tow Boat US magazine had a great article on just what marine towing insurance covers and what precautions should be taken. Sorry I don't remember which issue. Just be aware that there are some predatory operators more than willing to "help you out."

Pat
Ladybug, Too

 

[coreychamness]

Our tow after running out of fuel easily covered the cost of the year of coverage. When they came and towed us we were tied up at a dock at a marina and they brought us back to the fuel dock at homeport. In answer to Dale's question, I recall that both the Garmin and Volvo indications were roughly similar but I just want to block it out 😉 I definitely plan to fill much sooner and just carry around the dead weight of the diesel.