As a result of a recent Environmental Protection Agency ruling, you’ll see more E15 at gas pumps this summer. And E15 (fuel with 15 percent ethanol) can damage your boat’s engine.
Previously, the EPA had banned E15 from June 1 to Sept. 15 over concerns that it contributed to smog on hot days. Many outdoor and boating groups, including BoatUS, wanted the EPA to keep the summer blackout. The problem is that E15 is proven to damage boat engines and fuel systems; federal law also prohibits its use in recreational boat engines, and using E15 can void the engine’s warranty.
The EPS, however, ended the summer blackout in a push to ell E15 year-round. The Renewable Fuel Standard mandates the blend of biofuels, such as corn-ethanol, into the nation’s gas supply.
BoatUS warns boat owners to be make sure they aren’t filling up with damaging E15. “This summer, recreational boat owners will need to be vigilant when refueling their trailer boats at the gas station to ensure they don’t accidently fill up with E15,” said David Kennedy, BoatUS Government Affairs Manager. “E15 is often one of the lower-priced fuel options, and that may be appealing even with its lower energy content. The challenge when filling up the boat is that the only misfuelling warning you may see is a small orange label among the clutter of signage, prices and advertising adorning the pump. It’s easy to miss.”
A BoatUS Survey last summer said that 83 percent of boat owners would choose ethanol-free fuel if they could find it. And almost half (49 percent) did not know that use of E15 in marine engines was prohibited by federal law and could void the engine’s warranty. Read more:
https://www.boatus.com/pressroom/release.asp?id=1531
