Episode Summary: In this insightful episode of Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of the United States, Bela Musits and fellow sailor Mike Malekoff dive into an important and all-too-common issue faced by boat owners—fuel tank problems. Recorded aboard Mike's Hunter 44 Deck Salon during their voyage from Brunswick, Georgia to Burlington, Vermont, this conversation takes a practical look at what can go wrong with diesel fuel systems, how to recognize early warning signs, and the best ways to fix and prevent issues while cruising the Eastern Seaboard.

⚙️ Why This Episode Matters: Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a weekend sailor, understanding your fuel system is essential. Bela and Mike share firsthand stories, technical knowledge, and lessons learned through experience, offering valuable takeaways for anyone sailing the U.S. East Coast—or preparing for an extended journey. Issues like algae in diesel fuel, fuel polishing, and the role of water separators are all covered in plain language, making this episode accessible and practical for all sailors.

🗺️ About the Voyage: This episode is part of a mini-series documenting Bela and Mike’s 2024 trip up the East Coast aboard a Hunter 44DS. Along the way, they encounter the joys and challenges of long-distance cruising, from mechanical setbacks to serene anchorages. The trip covers major ICW stops and offshore segments, providing a real-life look at life aboard a modern cruising sailboat.

📸 Watch the Video Version: Want to see more than just hear it? The video edition includes photos and short clips captured throughout the journey. It’s a great way to visualize the voyage and the fuel system issues discussed.

🔧 Technical Topics Covered:

• Primary vs. secondary fuel filters

• Overfilling a fuel tank

• Best practices for installing access ports in a fuel tank

• How to avoid stirring up sludge when refueling

📢 SEO Keywords for This Episode: fuel tank issues on sailboats, diesel fuel problems marine, Hunter 44DS cruising, east coast ICW sailing, sailing podcast 2025, fuel system troubleshooting, Racor fuel filter maintenance, algae in diesel tank, ICW sailing experience, Hunter sailboat engine tips

🧭 Subscribe and Follow: Love learning about sailing, cruising, and boat maintenance? Subscribe to Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of the United States wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes feature practical advice, real stories, and insights from sailors who’ve been there and done that.

📬 Connect with Us: Have a sailing story or technical tip you’d like to share? Reach out via email at [email protected]