Those variables range outside of the usual things you’d expect to have influence a fishing tournament, like the weather and responsiveness of the fish. The list also includes things like fuel quality. Poor-quality gas and ethanol blends can lead to issues with a boat’s fuel system, yet they’re often the only options available near remote fisheries.

Thankfully, even though fuel quality can’t always be controlled, it can certainly be managed with the Mercury Fuel Care System. The system includes three additive formulas: Quickare®, Quickleen® and Quickstor®.

Quickare Fuel Treatment can be added at every fill-up to help maximize engine performance. Quickleen Engine & Fuel System Cleaner is designed to be used intermittently throughout the season. It helps optimize fuel and remove deposits. Quickstor Fuel Stabilizer is especially important for anglers and boaters who live in the home region of Mercury Pro Team member and 2021 Bassmaster Angler of the Year Seth Feider. A Minnesotan, Feider launched his career up north, where fishing seasons are short and storage seasons are – unfortunately – all too long. He knows that gas left in an idle boat can lead to fuel-related problems down the road if preventive measures aren’t taken.

The fact is, no matter the initial quality, all gas starts to break down after several months. The longer it is left in a boat, the greater the chance of it causing problems, such as hard starting, gumming or varnish formation in the fuel system.

In the video below, Feider shows how easy it is to prevent such troubles by using Mercury Quickstor to stabilize a boat’s fuel system. It only takes 1 ounce to treat 5 gallons of fuel. Once the Quickstor is in the system, it will help prevent the fuel from breaking down and can help keep the fuel system clean for a full year during storage. Using Quickstor is simple and affordable assurance that when the next fishing season kicks off, your engine will be ready to rip. 

Keep in mind that stabilizing fuel isn’t limited only to winter prep – and it’s certainly not limited to anglers. It’s a smart move to stabilize fuel in any boat that might sit for more than a couple of weeks, like a boat stored at a summer cabin or a family boat that is used only on occasion due to other obligations competing for your time. Quickstor has you covered. It works with any brand and type of gasoline-powered marine engine, whether carbureted or fuel injected. It can even be used in lawnmowers, ATVs and other small engines before storage.

So when you are ready to winterize, watch the included video for Feider’s advice. Then follow these steps to get the job done right.

How to Stabilize Fuel with Quickstor

1. If you have old gas in your boat, run your tank as close to empty as you can get it or pump the fuel into your tow vehicle. If you have new gas in your tank, you can skip this step.
   
   
2. Add Quickstor to the fuel tank. It’s ideal to add it before you refill the tank so the new gas will thoroughly mix with the stabilizer. Add 1 ounce for every 5 gallons of gas that your fuel tank holds. If you put a little too much in, that’s OK.
   
   
3. If you can find ethanol-free gas in your area, use it to refill your boat’s tank. That alone can prevent a lot of problems. Otherwise, buy gas from a trusted source that you know is getting new fuel on a regular basis. For most modern boats, fill the tank to the very top to prevent condensation from forming in the tank. In an older boat with a vented fuel tank, it’s recommended to only fill the tank about 95% full. Otherwise, extreme low temperatures can cause the fuel in a full tank to expand and spill out the vents.
   
   
4. Back the boat into the water or connect it to a garden hose and engine muffs to maintain a flow of cooling water. Then start the engine and let it idle for 5 to 10 minutes to distribute the stabilizer throughout the fuel system.

Winterization Matters

Quickstor should be a part of the winterization process for any marine engine. Also be sure to replace the fuel filter and, if servicing a four-stroke engine, to change the oil and oil filter. Then follow any other winterization procedures recommended in your engine owner’s manual before putting the boat up for the season. If you’re not interested in DIY, a Mercury Authorized Dealer can always help you out, too.

Proper fuel care during boating season and ahead of storage will make sure your engine will be ready to go next spring, whether you plan to chase fishing’s biggest titles, like Feider, or you simply want to enjoy fun and adventure on your local waters.