Not a good start

[Charlesoceanone]

So I recently sold my 2009 sedan bridge to a fantastic young family in search of the boating experience we are all looking for. The boat is in great shape and he is only moving across Lake Michigan from one side to the other. What could go wrong?

The new owner and his hired captain came to pick the boat up this morning and proceeded to the fuel dock to top off for the journey across the pond. The captain states stay up on the bridge I got this. They push off only to have new owner call me to ask why didn’t the fuel gauge go up after topping off. The fuel came out overflow after 10 gallons on starboard and 50 gallons on port. Still shows 3/4 pm analog gauge?

You all know where this is going. Don’t let anyone fill up your boat! He filled up water tanks and black water tank. Poor new owner……….

 

[The Bill Collector]

WTF ??? They are clearly labeled...

 

[Charlesoceanone]

WTF ??? They are clearly labeled...

Yep. Don’t get it.

 

[Golfman25]

That was my big fear first time I filled up the new to me boat. But previous owner put blue stickers on the water and waste fittings. Made it easier.

 

[electricaldoctor]

OUCH!! Does'nt say much for the hired Captain. Who pays for that FUBAR??

 

[firecadet613]

Congrats on the sale and that's my fear as we're about to finalize the sale of our boat... her standard of living will likely go down...

 

[Strypes]

He filled up water tanks and black water tank.

No? For real?!

 

[Soulshine]

It happens. I saw someone put the gas nozzle into a rod holder that was right next to the fuel fill.

My previous boat had the port side fuel fill about 3" away from the waste port.

I poured stabilizer into the holding tank once...once.

The starboard side had the same proximity to the fresh water fill. Poor design, but labeled just the same.

 

[Jus Cruisin]

I can't believe the gas dock personnel allowed it to happen.

 

[boatman37]

We have nobody manning our fuel dock but my fuel fill is on starboard and waste and fresh water are on port

 

[endless seas]

Accidents happen...I did this once on a Maxum while not paying attention and talking.The fuel and water fill were literally right next to each other( my fault).It took me 1/2 the summer to get the smell of gas out of the water tank and faucets but I was successful.

 

[Thornton69]

That's going to hurt the resume. Ouch!

 

[LTD.330]

What a nightmare.

Even if they get all of the fuel/odors removed from the water system, I bet the owners feel like they taste it every time they take a drink of water.

 

[Carpediem44DB]

Who do you call to pump out your gasoline infused pooper tank? That is some specialized hazmat removal that sounds very expensive. Did the captain bill for his services? I want to be in the gallery when the captain sues the new owner for non-payment of services rendered with a counter claim from the new owner for recovery of the costs to correct. I can imagine cogent arguments on both sides of that one. I guess the big question is whether or not the captain was hired to just deliver the boat or hired to give comprehensive instruction to the new owner.

 

[The Bill Collector]

Last week friend of a friend new to boating put 9 gallons of gas into his waste tank. Besides the cost of fuel, it was $750 for the pump out.

 

[Strecker25]

waste tank is bad news but at least diesel is a solvent

the freshwater side is a different story...

 

[Fill Ess]

Who do you call to pump out your gasoline infused pooper tank? That is some specialized hazmat removal that sounds very expensive. Did the captain bill for his services?

$10 says the captain just turns on the macerator in the middle of the lake

 

[bbwhitejr]

What a nightmare.

Even if they get all of the fuel/odors removed from the water system, I bet the owners feel like they taste it every time they take a drink of water.

The holding tank is one thing, but the FW tank....OMG. They will never get 100% of it gone.

Bennett

 

[my3sons]

What a shame. And it probably happens more than one might think. I have a friend that just assumed all diesel pump nozzles have green covers. Now he knows that at least some BP station pump nozzles, gas and diesel have green pump handle covers. It cost him a good chuck of change to have his truck towed, tank and lines cleaned and reinstalled.
I have a little ritual I go through with the boat and truck to keep my head straight at the pumps.

 

[Nater Potater]

I guess the big question is whether or not the captain was hired to just deliver the boat or hired to give comprehensive instruction to the new owner.

The OP made mention of the captain telling the new buyers to hang out, as he’s “got this”. That responsibility should then fall squarely back on his shoulders.