hello mariners.. Fuels depots

[Cruising Roo]

Hi Australians. I am very close to looking at a smaller 8.8 meter motor boat as a first into this particular aquatic world. i am wondering if there is an app or whatever that indicates diesel fuel locations along the south eastern part of Victoria and frankly for others, Australia wide. i am looking at steaming the boat from Lakes Entrance to ultimately Port Phillip bay and may need a diesel fuel fill along the way. surely this information is available but for the life of me, I can not find it. The alternative is to take plastic Gerry cans of which I have many but i think it is still a relevant question for all over Australia for others. I certainly will not be going too far in such a small boat but the question stands on its own. Hope all is well and thank you
Darren

[skipperpete]

There’s a phone/ tablet app called “fuel map Australia” but I’m not sure if it lists marinas and dockside fuel suppliers, it certainly has all the service stations and the current prices per litre.
Roughly, what horsepower is the engine in the boat that you’re considering?
Here’s a screen shot of the app info[ATTACH]

[Cruising Roo]

Hi Skipper Pete. The boat is a Monterey 276 1996 with Mercruiser diesel turbo 220 hp single engine. It comes with a trailer, boat weight 3000 kg (dry weight)and trailer about 600kg. The problem I just discovered that I can only get the tow rate increased to 3,500can not get on my 2018 Ranger which means with accessories and fuel, it will be over weight. i only need to tow it 30klms to boat ramp. To get dry storage at Queenscliff, there is a long waiting list which is the only option on the West coast for Port Phillip Bay. Bugga

[skipperpete]

If you do buy the boat , you need to do a bit of route planning to establish a few safe havens if the weather turns unexpectedly bad, also the tides for entering Port Phillip Bay should be considered..... not so much for the depths but for the overfalls and currents. Fortunately you can travel at a good speed and you’re being very prudent to plan the fueling points along the route. Are you going to duck into Westernport bay, the marina there will probably have fuel.

[Cruising Roo]

Yes had plenty of trailable boats and have huge respect for the heads. On top of what you said, the route you choose steaming through matters depending on tide 'behaviour' which is rarely good !!! As mentioned, i will not be able to trailer this boat so now looking at a cheap truck. I have heavy and articulated license. Cheers buddy. If I go the truck option, i will trailer it which will take 5 + hours

[Cruising Roo]

Originally Posted by Cruising Roo

Yes had plenty of trailable boats and have huge respect for the heads. On top of what you said, the route you choose steaming through matters depending on tide 'behavior' which is rarely good !!! As mentioned, i will not be able to trailer this boat so now looking at a cheap truck. I have heavy and articulated license. Cheers buddy. If I go the truck option, i will trailer it which will take 5 + hours

OMG...the issue with trucks is ridiculous. Even largish trucks (including Isuzu NPR 400 and maybe even bigger)still have 3500kg limit. I can spend $180,000 on a Silverado which will go to 4500kg Which is plenty but I think I will still need to "sell my sole" (ex wife says I dont have one though) to afford this let alone the cost of the truck. I found a truck at a reasonable price and NOW the issue of getting the trailer registered as it is only used to move the boat for previous owner 200 meters and (I think) never been registered is ANOTHER issue. The "Gods" (as an atheist) clearly is making things bloody hard. I need to raise my blood pressure medications from this... Just thought I would share an update which has the added benefit of being psychologically therapeutic for me…Don’t despair…I can give you my Medicare card. Cheers. Darren

[Fore and Aft]

Cruising Roo why not hire a truck to tow the boat home or to the ramp. Here we have a big Cougar cat that's kept at the owners house. When he wants to launch it the local tow company tows it to the ramp and launches it. He then keeps the cat in the marina for a while and then gets towed back home when finished. This owners trailer is roadworthy. But your boat and trailer could go on a tilt tray. No different to a shipping container, except you will be a wide load. Here in Queensland under 3.5 meters you only need flags and a sign. We moved our 32 foot yacht with a tilt tray. Piece of cake.
Cheers

[fxykty]

Zulu Waterways app shows Marine fueling locations.