As the boating season gets underway this year, I have noticed a significant amount of our fleet fuel customers bringing their watercraft to our Columbia, SC bulk plant to fill their boats and gas containers with our ethanol free conventional gas. Quizzing a few of the customers as to why they fueled at our facility instead of their local retail stations, the comment over and over was that they are fearful of the damage that can be done by ethanol decomposing gasoline.
Researching the blended ethanol gas affects on boats I am finding there is real truth to what customers are saying. The problem is not so much with 10% blended ethanol that is completely consumed until the tanks are empty within a week or two of purchase. The real problem comes into play with ethanol blended gas that sits in the tanks and hose lines for over three weeks or several months. The high humidity in summer months is easily absorbed by ethanol. The added water decomposes the gas causing octane levels to fall. This contaminated gas will then clog fuel filter and carburetors.
Prospective buyers of boats need to be wary of purchasing a boat that has been running on ethanol blended gas. Especially if the seller has been storing the boat for 90 days or longer with ethanol blended gas in the tanks.
Some boaters may live in areas where there is no conventional gas option. These boaters should be sure to refill their tanks every one to three weeks to minimize the affects of water absorption.
There is nothing worse than planning to have a fun day on the water only to have it destroyed by an engine that will not start. Having a good understanding of blended ethanol gas contamination to fuel supply will help to ensure time on the water is enjoyable.
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