GL: Fuel Economics

[bill fiero]

     If you have a big boat with a large fuel tank, filling the tank with less
expensive fuel yesterday rather than with tomorrows higher cost fuel makes
sense.  But thats not economically more sensible than using a much smaller
amount of (somewhat more expensive) fuel in a small boat to travel the same
distance.  There are many good reasons for owning a big boat, but the economy
of long-term storage of a large amount of fuel to push a large weight through
water will probably not pass an economic test (or a test in physics, either).

    Also, storing diesel (or any fuel) for a long time has complications 
biodeterioration, water condensation, catalytic fines, and gums and resins due
to oxidation are well-documented.  There are products sold that help stabilize
the fuel.  So, add their cost into the equation for long-term storage.  Recent
studies have indicated that too little added biocide may actually encourage
bacterial growth.   So, use care and caution with long term storage in your
tanks.