What should you do to prevent producing a static spark while fueling your boat?

To prevent producing a static spark while fueling your boat, maintaining solid contact between the nozzle and the tank opening is crucial. When the nozzle is in contact with the tank, it helps minimize the buildup of static electricity that can occur due to fuel flowing through the nozzle. This contact allows any static charge to dissipate safely, which significantly reduces the risk of a spark igniting the fuel vapors that are often present during refueling.

Other methods, like filling the tank to the brim, can lead to spills and overflows, which not only pose environmental hazards but also increase the risk of vapors igniting. Using a funnel may not eliminate static buildup and can complicate the fueling process. Fueling the boat quickly can increase the chance of static electricity generation due to the rapid movement of fuel, making slow and steady fueling the safer practice. Thus, the key to safety during this process is ensuring a continuous, solid connection with the nozzle to avoid static discharge.