BOATS AND ETHANOL: DO THEY MIX?

Ethanol has recently been hailed as the replacement for gasoline, a more environmentally-friendly fuel that is popping up at service stations around the country. So why are boat owners having so many problems with this new fuel?

The root of the trouble stems from the quick breakdown cycle of fuels like ethanol and biodiesel, which if left sitting idle in your boat, can lead to a buildup that can plug up critical engine parts such as jets or injectors. The buildup (left) can also restrict gas flow and cause lean conditions, which makes cooling the engine difficult, and will often lead to overheating.

“Ethanol isn’t a problem for someone who uses their boat regularly,” Harry Collins, Charles Mill service manager says. “The real trouble is for people who use their boat less frequently. The fuel will break down over time and start to jam up engine parts.”

But how do you avoid these problems? Here are some tips for using ethanol in your boat:

- Use your boat frequently. A boat left idle with oxygenated fuel (ethanol, biodiesel) breaks down more quickly, leading to corrosion of engine parts.
- Buy small amounts of ethanol when you fill up, and make sure to drain your carburetor before storage.
- Use fuel stabilizers to prolong the life of the ethanol.
- If at all possible, use standard gasoline.