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The rule for whether or not your boat needs a water separating fuel filter are simple, and applies to ALL size boats and has nothing to do with engine size, etc.

1. If your boat uses on-deck fuel tanks, plastic, aluminum or aluminized steel (Tempo 12 gallon BW tanks), you DO NOT need a water separator, since these tanks do not collect condensation drip. Installing a water separator in a boat like this is a waste of money and needless rigging clutter.

2. If your boat has an internal tank, vented to the atmosphere, which in Whalers are well insulated because of the foam construction, and adding to the problem, you NEED a water spearator.

It's as simple as that.

If you are worried about dirt in the fuel, and have on-deck tanks, install a $7 dollar inline disposable plastic or glass filter.