Replace your old, cracked or corroded fuel tank vent or deck fill cap.

Below deck, marine fuel tanks require a vent. Not venting your boat’s fuel tank can create a vacuum in the tank that prevents fuel from flowing freely to the engine—which can cause the engine to quit. Types of fuel tank vents include metal or plastic vents that are mounted to the exterior of the hull and plumbed to the gas or diesel tank with fuel tank vent hose. Sometimes a boat’s cap for the fuel deck fill must be replaced, either because it is cracked or corroded—or maybe because a butter fingered boater dropped it in the drink. West Marine offers a variety of deck fill caps. Choices include chromed bronze caps and plastic caps. Some can be locked. Others include a tank vent, which is an interesting option of you do not wish your fuel tank’s vent to be located on the outside of the hull as described above.