Boat US Aug 2011
The Environmental Protection Agency has taken the next step in paving the way for additional ethanol to show
up at the gas pump. When the agency granted permission for gasoline containing up to 15% ethanol (E15) to
be used in 2001 and newer automobiles, they asked what measures should be taken to prevent it from being
used in other engines. BoatUS, along with many other groups, urged the Agency to require significant
safeguards be put in place to prevent the misfueling of boats and other engines. On June 28th, EPA rolled
out its solution – a small, orange-colored label for E15 gas pumps and a promise to conduct a public education
campaign. Most recreational boats in the US are “trailer” boats. Stored in the backyard or driveway, they are
trailered to the water and enjoyed for the day. They are also refueled at your local gas station or minimart,
which may soon offer a fuel, E15 (or 15% ethanol), that is prohibited by the federal government for use in boat
motors and violates engine manufacturer warranties. That has the nation’s largest recreational boat owners
group, BoatUS, concerned over the potential for accidental misfueling. “As this new fuel starts appearing at the
local fuel pump, we see the real likelihood of putting the wrong fuel in your boat,” said BoatUS Vice President of
Government Affairs Margaret Podlich. “It could lead to costly engine or fuel system damage, and potentially
leave you stranded out on the water with a disabled vessel, compromising your family’s safety. When a boat’s
engine stops running, you can’t pull over to the side of the road,” added Podlich.
Earlier this year, the EPA authorized the use of E15 in 2001 model year and newer motor vehicles. However,
the agency did not authorize its use in marine engines or a range of off-road vehicles, tools and equipment.
Currently, most boaters in the US have transitioned to E10 (10% ethanol), the maximum percentage of ethanol
permitted in gasoline before most engine manufacturer warranties are voided. However, many boaters still go
out of their way to find ethanol-free fuel.
BoatUS believes it will be hard for consumers to recognize when or where E-15 is being rolled out to their local
gas stations or fuel sellers. “Most likely consumers will encounter E-15 for the first time at their local gas station
with little or no fanfare, and may be attracted to its price. This means we have to be alertnow – it’s really a
situation of buyer beware,” said Podlich.
The boater’s group also said the issue goes far beyond gas-powered boat engines. “I encourage anyone
fueling– whether it’s for your boat, car, motorcycle, generator or six-gallon portable tank for your lawnmower or
leaf-blower, to absolutely know what type of gas is going into that tank,” said Podlich. “Unless you have a 2001
or new motor vehicle, the gasoline-powered engines you own were not built for E15. Now is the time to start
knowing which gas stations offer you safe fuel.”
