If you’re like me, your boat sometimes sits for weeks — or even months — between trips. That’s when fuel stabilizers become your best friend. Without them, I’ve dealt with gummed-up carbs and sluggish performance.
I’ve tested a few brands over the years. Sta-Bil has been my go-to for long-term storage because it keeps fuel fresh for months. For regular use, I like Sea Foam. It not only stabilizes gas but also cleans out carbon buildup, which I notice most on my older outboard.
The trick I’ve learned is to add the stabilizer before I fill up the tank, so it mixes evenly. Then I always run the motor for a few minutes to pull that treated fuel through the lines and carburetor.
Using stabilizer religiously has saved me a ton of money and headaches. Now I never winterize my boat without it.