It's only $55 so I'm probably going to order one with my motor here in a couple weeks regardless, but what could happen without one? Is it something that could save some wear and tear on the motor over the long run? What's it's purpose, other than the obvious?

Water trap on fuel system - micro filters out crap before it gets to your carb and
seperates any water that condenses in ethanol rich fuel.... I like having one !

I can't see a reason to have one. I only run a 6 gallon tank and mine never sits for any length of time. Keep an eye on your fuel filter for trash. Maybe I'm just wrong.
Save your $55 for head work and go fast!

Buy it for 30 dollars and install it yourself. I have seen ethanol fuel varnish and separate in a fuel line in one week.

Some people run em, I didn't have on my pro xs, I don't have on on my bay boat, or my scully so I'm damn sure ain't putting one on my mudboat

def spend the money. if u get water in your gas it will lock up your engine until u pull spark plugs to get it out. water doesnt compress

Worth every penny!Wouldn't run one without it

is this water trap just a standard fuel water seperater?

Yes

I have one on all four of my boats. Yes to getting it.

Use it, but also make sure you change the filter.

I've always had them on my boat thinking it was needed. But I always had aluminum tanks. Hoyt Told me when I got my first boat with plastics tanks that I wouldn't need a water filter. Since then I never had one and never one problem with fuel. But I do think they don't hurt also

I have one in my boat. The way I feel its better to be safe than sry on somethin like this. I get mine from Napa they are a little cheaper than from go devil

If you don't plan on using the boat a lot get it. I fill mine up 3 times a week so I don't get no old fuel

what do yall do when water gets in gas at station and u pump that into tank.... for u guys that fill up 3 times a week the odd are probally not in your favor

When I first got my boat I was having hell with it and ended up having to take it in somewhere and have them "fix" the problem. I put a water filter and changed the hose and put a shutoff valve in and I run the motor try every time and haven't had any issues since. Can't say if it was all those or one of them that fixed the issue but I will continue to use it.