Marine Gas Watch

Archive for November, 2010

Ethanol E15 blended fuel has been linked to many boat engine problems – from performance issues to permanent damage. In 2006, the problems became more widespread as increased distribution of ethanol gasoline in the United States made ethanol fuel more available to boaters at the fuel dock. Upcoming U.S. legislation proposing an increase from up to 10% ethanol (E10) to up to 15% ethanol (E15) has caused boaters and the entire marine industry to become concerned about further impact on boat engines.

Why Ethanol Causes Problems for Boat Engines

Derived from corn in the U.S., gasoline containing ethanol is a blend of ethanol and refined alcohol. The result is an ethanol solvent that can cause several different problems to your boat engine if proper precautions are not taken.

Ethanol is hygroscopic, which means it will attract and attach to any water that gets into the fuel and has the ability to absorb 50 times more water than non-ethanol gasoline. Since boat fuel tanks are vented, condensation and moisture is likely to occur in fuel tanks – particularly when the fuel tank is not full. When the solvent reacts with water it can create sludge in the fuel tank that clogs fuel filters, carburetors and other engine parts.

The ethanol damage can be especially troublesome in older boats with fiberglass fuel tanks made with thophthalic resin. The ethanol can react with the resin in these older fuel tanks and create a sludge build up. In some cases, fuel tanks need to be entirely drained to remove sludge filled fuel. Other boat owners have suffered from performance issues, costly repairs or a completely ruined boat engine.

Potential E15 Issues for Boaters

In 2010, the EPA has proposed increasing the percentage of ethanol from up to 10% (known as E10) to up to 15% (known as E15). Despite initial ruling that the sale of E15 gasoline is restricted to only on-road vehicles model year 2007 and newer, there is still potential for E15 fuel to mistakenly get into boats.

According to the National Marine Manufacturer’s Association (NMMA), “there is significant risk of consumer confusion and misfueling.” Although E15 may not be offered at a fuel dock, millions of smaller boats that may purchase fuel at gasoline stations on land could be at risk. The NMMA is also concerned that E15 will be marketed as a lower cost fuel and boaters may choose fuel based on price without being informed of the potential consequences. Because marine engines have not been tested with E15, the exact implications on boat engines are unknown. However, the impact of E15 is widely expected to be more severe and damaging to both old and new boat engines

Precautions to Protect Your Boat Engine

With proper precaution, many of the boat engine issues caused by ethanol fuel can be mitigated or avoided altogether.

Here are some recommended precautions to deal with ethanol gasoline for E10 or E15:

• Refuel often. Ethanol fuel should not sit in a gas tank longer than 90 days, therefore it is important to use fuel and refuel as often as possible.
• Maintain fuel filters. Changing fuel filters regularly will help keep your carburetors clean and stop engine damaging sludge build-up caused by ethanol.
• Fuel your boat at marinas. Don’t risk fueling your boat with a higher level of ethanol if E15 becomes available at gasoline stations on land. Fueling your boat at a marina will be safer because E15 will not be approved for sale at a marina.
• Choose fuel wisely. Although some states have regulations requiring E10 for gasoline, there are marinas that offer ethanol-free fuel. Whenever possible, select ethanol-free fuel for your boat.

Sources: National Marine Manufacturer’s Association, Fuel-testers.com, Boating Industry

Marine gas prices are affected by a wide variety of factors.  With the Fall and Winter seasons upon us, you can expect that both marine gas prices for wholesalers and retail will see a slight rise over the coming weeks.  While not every state may be affected by a price rise (some may even see some decreases), it’s important to remember that with the holidays and cold weather increasing the demand for petroleum, it’s inevitable that marine gas prices will be affected as well.

For many folks across the U.S., this time of year may mean an end of boating season as cold temperatures and the threat of ice and snow make boating a less than desirable option.  For these boaters, marine gas prices for Fall and Winter won’t be a point of concern.

For those boaters, however, living in warm weather states where boating is possible year-round, there remains the chance of some marine gas prices rising.  One positive bit of information to hold onto, though, is the knowledge that 2010 overall saw some of the lowest gas price swings in the last five years.  That may mean that if the trend remains the same for the end of 2010, there shouldn’t be any major price rises keeping boat enthusiasts from taking advantage of the beautiful boating weather in places like Florida, southern California, The Gulf Coast and the Caribbean.

According to Gassbuddy.com, last year at this time, regular gasoline averaged $2.64 a gallon.  Though we have seen an increase, currently the national average is $2.88, the increase is not a huge price change from a year ago.  In fact, gas prices have even fallen in some states like Arkansas and Missouri.

Be sure to keep on the watch for marine gas prices reports from reliable resources such as MarineFuel.com.  With the ability to search and compare marine gas prices anywhere in the U.S. and the Caribbean at MarineFuel.com, you’ll be sure to find the lowest prices available in your area whenever you’re ready for a day of fun out on the water.