Inline fuel filters: Useful?

[TxAg66]

Are small inline filters like this little Suzuki filter useful? Or are they just a problem waiting to happen? I realize a water-separating filter is best but I just don't have much room in my little Carolina Skiff (DF25 powered) to mount one. Thanks for your thoughts.
Suzuki_small_inline_filter.jpg

[Moonlighter]

Better than nothing I suppose.

It really is essential to have a proper water separating filter in the fuel line.

I managed to find a place for one in my 14.5 ft tinny to protect the DF40A.

There are smaller sized ones available that will do the job for the smaller hp motors.

This is one example from our Australian suppliers - I am sure you would find the same or similar where you are.

https://www.whitworths.com.au/nano-m...uel-filter-kit

[Greg Moore]

You can never have too much filtering on a modern injected engine, but at least use a steel, ideally stainless filter. Those little plastic jobs crack easy and a boat sucks from the tank, not pushes from it from an in-tank pump. One little crack and you suck air and are calling for a tow.

[TxAg66]

Greg & Grant, thanks .. I'm convinced. Will find a place that works in my 16 footer. The idea of an air-sucking crack it's just what I want to avoid. Thx again.

[tnadeau]

Are you running off a built-in fuel tank or a portable? If built in yes, find a place for that water separating filter. Not necessary on a portable tank cause they are so easy to drain and refill and you can (and should) store those out of the boat in a covered shed or garage to avoid condensation getting in the tank.

[Moonlighter]

Are you running off a built-in fuel tank or a portable? If built in yes, find a place for that water separating filter. Not necessary on a portable tank cause they are so easy to drain and refill and you can (and should) store those out of the boat in a covered shed or garage to avoid condensation getting in the tank.

Disagree.

Its just as easy to get a load of dirty fuel or fuel with water in it from the gas station in a portable tank as in an underfloor tank.