Standards for Fuel Lines on Gasoline-Powered Boats

The hoses used for fuel lines on gasoline-powered boats must meet a high standard to contain the fuel and its volatile vapors to keep everyone safe. ABYC spells out what standards the hose must meet, and also pays attention to the installation requirements for NMMA Certification.

Boat Building Standards:

Flexible Fuel Hose for Gasoline Engines

ABYC Standards--

Flexible Fuel Hose

• Hose shall comply with the requirements of SAE J1527, Marine Fuel Hose.
• Hose shall be marked on the outermost cover with the manufacturer's name or trademark, year of manufacture, the applicable hose marking in TABLE 1 and SAE J1527, Marine Fuel Hose.
• All required marking shall be legible and permanent on the hose itself at least every 12 inches (305 mm) in block capitals and numerals at least 1/8 inch (3.16 mm) high.

NOTE: If a section of the installed hose is less than 12 inches (305 mm), a tag may be used to indicate the required marking.

EXCEPTION: Outboard engine manufacturer-supplied hose or equivalent from the outboard engine primer bulb to the outboard engine with a permeation rate of 15g/m²/24hrs or less, if the boat is not fitted with a gasoline inboard engine or generator set.

Fuel Line Supports

• Hoses shall be secured and routed so that they will not chafe on boat structure or equipment.
• Clips, straps, or other means used for securing fuel lines shall be of corrosion-resistant material and shall be designed to eliminate cutting or abrading action where in contact with the fuel line.
• Clips and straps used to hold fuel lines in position to maintain anti-siphon protection shall be capable of withstanding a 2-1/2 minute fire test as specified in Title 33 CFR Section 183.590 and APPENDIX 1.
• When installed, fuel valves shall minimize strain on the fuel lines.