Top Fuel Supply Pros

Marine fuel is available at fuel docks and marina fuel stations located throughout most US waterways, lakes, and coastal areas. You can find nearby fuel docks by checking marina directories, cruising apps like ActiveCaptain or Navionics, or by contacting your local marina directly. Many marinas post current fuel prices online or via VHF radio channel 16.

Most gasoline-powered boats use ethanol-free marine gasoline, commonly labeled E0 or rec 90, because ethanol can damage fiberglass fuel tanks, rubber hoses, and carburetors in older marine engines. Some fuel docks also offer E10 (10% ethanol blend), but ethanol-free fuel is strongly preferred for marine use. Always check your engine and boat manufacturer's recommendations before fueling.

Yes, most full-service marinas and fuel docks sell marine diesel fuel for diesel-powered vessels including sailboats, trawlers, and large powerboats. Marine diesel is typically available dockside at the fuel station and is priced separately from gasoline. It's a good idea to call ahead to confirm diesel availability and current pricing before arriving at an unfamiliar marina.

Many marinas and fuel docks offer propane refill services or propane tank exchange programs for boaters who use propane for cooking, heating, or other onboard appliances. Availability varies by location, so it's best to call the marina ahead of time to confirm propane services. Some marinas partner with propane exchange kiosks located on their premises for added convenience.

Marine fuel at a fuel dock is typically more expensive than fuel at a roadside gas station due to the added infrastructure, waterfront real estate, and convenience of dockside fueling. The price difference can range from $0.50 to over $1.50 per gallon depending on location, remoteness, and current market conditions. Checking marina fuel price apps or websites before departure can help you find the most competitive rates along your route.

A fuel dock is a designated dock or pier at a marina where boaters can pull their vessel alongside to purchase gasoline, diesel, or propane directly from a dockside pump. Boaters typically tie up temporarily, fuel their vessel, pay at the dock or marina office, and then depart. Some fuel docks also provide complimentary amenities like restrooms, pump-out stations, or ice for customers.

Many marina fuel docks offer ethanol-free gasoline, often marketed as pure gas, non-ethanol gas, or rec 90, specifically because it is better suited for marine engines and fiberglass fuel systems. Ethanol-free fuel is especially important for boats with older engines, carbureted systems, or fiberglass tanks that can be damaged by ethanol blends. Use a resource like Pure-Gas.org or ActiveCaptain to locate fuel docks near you that carry ethanol-free marine gas.

It is highly recommended to call ahead or check the marina's website before arriving to confirm fuel availability, hours of operation, and whether the fuel dock can accommodate your vessel's size. Some smaller or seasonal marinas have limited hours or may be closed during off-peak periods. Calling ahead also lets you confirm current fuel prices and whether your preferred fuel type, such as diesel or ethanol-free gasoline, is in stock.

Marine gasoline sold at fuel docks is typically ethanol-free (E0) and formulated to reduce the risk of phase separation, corrosion, and damage to marine fuel systems that can occur with standard pump gasoline containing ethanol. Regular roadside gasoline is usually E10 or E15, which contains 10-15% ethanol and is not ideal for most marine engines and fuel components. Using the correct marine-grade fuel helps protect your engine and extends the life of fuel system components.

Most marina fuel docks in the US accept major credit cards, though policies vary by location, especially at smaller or privately owned marinas. Some fuel docks require payment inside the marina office rather than at the pump, and a few remote or rural marinas may be cash-only. It is always a good idea to confirm accepted payment methods before fueling, especially when cruising in unfamiliar areas.