I always try and run all my boats empty before they sit for 3-4 months. Gasoline loses octane over time when it is vented, so whatever gas is left in the tanks will have a low octane rating by the time the boats get used again. When there's only a few gallons left in the tanks, you can just fill them with fresh fuel and you're good to go on the first trip out after Winter. It has nothing to do with what is good for the tanks or not.

Only the poor ones who cannot go boating!!!!!!!

With the 300XS's every time I get near empty the sun comes out for a couple days and I fill them back up. Guess I'll have to boat all winter. ;-)

Thanks, Dale. I was asking just to be cautious because of all the hoopla over tank issues. I use only 91 RM/2 octane premium and just for the reason you stated above, add 100 LL av gas which samples out usually 110 octane according to the local aviation FOB vender as a precaution from old gas. I hope to do some late fall/early spring Skater boating when we have those "I wish I was out in the boat days!" other than in my cruiser with my wife drinking wine and watching the eagles fly - not bad either!

I run 91 and 93 nonethanol exclusively. I always drain tanks in the winter. I don't like to run old gas not to mention I want to play it safe on the tanks.

My mechanic here has replaced a lot of fuel system parts on several newer outboard brands due to corrosion which he contributes to water contaminated ethanol.

David if it's nice out I know where the gas station is!

Always drain tanks !!! Boat will sit for 4 months , not worth the risk of popping a power head when spring
Comes around !

dumb question - how do you drain tanks? I need to.

Run the boat Or pump them out

Is this a pump you buy at an autozone?

Yes, if you want to catch on fire! Unless it is a manual gasoline pump. No, needs to be very specific for gasoline if electric. Just open the NTP plug and siphon out the gas. Trouble is getting a large enough container to "contain" the amount of fuel in the tanks without being too tall to allow gravity to work.