I have a 2025 Bennington 20 SL that I bought new and only has 12 hours on it . It has a Yamaha 90 hp engine. It has stalled out on me in the middle of a lake three different times. the first time the dealer determined it was water in the gas tank and they pumped all the gas out and put more in. I took it back out and it stalled again so they replaced the gas tank. Just took it out again this weekend and it’s stalling again. I have heard there is design issues with Bennington boats and water in the gas tank. I’m at a loss what to do here and the local dealer has not been able to fix this.. it definitely is not the gas that I purchased Any thoughts or has anyone had similar experiences.
Water in Gas Tank
- Thread starter Andrew10
- Start date
I have never heard of a problem with Bennington gas tanks and water but others might jump in. Very strange.
If the gas tank has been replaced, and it is not the gas, process of elimination says it might be one of the hoses or something wrong in the motor allowing water to mix with the fuel.
If you don’t get a good answer on this site, I would suggest posting on The Hull Truth site. They have a large number of participants and some good technical individuals.
Just trying to give you some options.
If the gas tank has been replaced, and it is not the gas, process of elimination says it might be one of the hoses or something wrong in the motor allowing water to mix with the fuel.
If you don’t get a good answer on this site, I would suggest posting on The Hull Truth site. They have a large number of participants and some good technical individuals.
Just trying to give you some options.
Jack M
Moderator
I have never heard of that issue .
What kind of gas are you putting in ?
Are you aware of "phase separation " ?
What kind of gas are you putting in ?
Are you aware of "phase separation " ?
Jack M
Moderator
This is why I only use ethanol free gas in my boat .
Phase Separation .How It Happens,
Phase Separation .How It Happens,
- Water absorption: Ethanol absorbs moisture from the air or direct water leaks until it reaches its limit (about 0.5% by volume).
- The split: Once full, the ethanol bonds with the extra water and drops out of the gasoline solution.
- Layering: Heavy water-ethanol collects at the bottom of the tank, right where fuel pumps draw their supply
Jack M
Moderator
When your dealer pumped out the water the first time ,did they also change the fuel filter ? Or the second time when they changed the fuel tank ?
Do you have a water fuel separator ? If so was that changed either time ?
Thanks Jack. Yes they changed the fuel filter and fuel separator. And when it happened they were able to start to boat by using an external gas can. I am starting to think it may be an issue with the fuel filler system, perhaps an o ring as when I open the gas cap I don’t get any suction like I do with my sea doo jetski.
PartyBarge
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 372
- Reaction score
- 383
Yes, as you speculated, seals and o-rings do go bad or get lost. Over the years I've replaced multiple gas cap rings/seals that were broken or worn out (not likely you problem with the new tank). However, I've seen fuel/water separators that are mounted where they can get very wet or even submerged (like in the engine canoe). Carefully check all the lines and seals there.
Vikingstaff
Moderator
Have not heard of this being an issue with Bennington’s in my 9-10 years. Certainly this specific issue is not a common problem at all.
That said, my dealership mounted my fuel/water separator in the dreaded engine bay in the rear. Not an ideal spot. That is mounted by the original sales dealership when they add the motor after boat delivery. So sometimes there can be issues iwth it.
For us, when originally new in 2017-18, we had issues due to local dealership mounting & mounting location. In addition to the poor choice of location, they had also secured the lines far too tight, and it was pulling on the separator periodically, causing gaps and water intrusion. Thankfully, they quickly recognized the problem when I had to bring it in, and they redid the lines (although not the location). No problems since then. However, I got motor warnings and it then went into limp mode to protect the motor.
Not to say that is your issue, but worth double checking as well.
That said, my dealership mounted my fuel/water separator in the dreaded engine bay in the rear. Not an ideal spot. That is mounted by the original sales dealership when they add the motor after boat delivery. So sometimes there can be issues iwth it.
For us, when originally new in 2017-18, we had issues due to local dealership mounting & mounting location. In addition to the poor choice of location, they had also secured the lines far too tight, and it was pulling on the separator periodically, causing gaps and water intrusion. Thankfully, they quickly recognized the problem when I had to bring it in, and they redid the lines (although not the location). No problems since then. However, I got motor warnings and it then went into limp mode to protect the motor.
Not to say that is your issue, but worth double checking as well.