With the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently allowing fuel companies to increase the amount of ethanol found in gasoline from 10% to 15%, the move could mean more damaged boat engines for unsuspecting owners who use the fuel. Ethanol increases the acidity of the fuel, which in older boats and motors can dissolve fuel tanks and lines, which can in turn ultimately damage, clog and stall engines.
A recent survey conducted by AnglerSurvey.com found most anglers who boat were unaware of the increase in ethanol and the threat the change poses. Asked if they were aware of the increase in permissible ethanol levels, 55.9% of respondents said "no," while only 41.2% reported being aware of the change.
Asked if they agreed with the change, nearly 60% said "no." Virtually the same amount of those surveyed said the amount of permissible ethanol should be reduced back to 10%.
"It is important that boaters educate themselves on the specific damage fuels mixed with ethanol can pose to certain boat motors and take steps to minimize harm to their engines," said Rob Southwick, president of the company that designs and conducts surveys at AnglerSurvey.com, HunterSurvey.com and ShooterSurvey.com. "Many boaters will simply want to avoid using fuels that include the higher percentage of ethanol and need to pay attention when fueling."
To check out several articles on ethanol at BoatUS.com, click here.
