Ethanol Blended Gas Could Ruin Your Boat Engine

Boating magazines these days are talking about the pitfalls of using gasoline containing ethanol, which could wreck havoc on boat engines and fuel systems. The fuel, called E-10, is ok for cars because most autos are run continuously. The problem for boats is when winterization occurs in the Fall and most people fill up their tanks. Fortunately, use of this product by Grand Lake marinas has not occurred as yet, sources say.

Brian Stengel, Service Manager at Arrowhead on Grand Lake, says E-10 is not a problem as long as it is used continuously, but it should not be stored in fuel tanks over the winter months as it will cause damage to the gas tank, fuel filters, fuel lines, etc. The problem is that Ethanol absorbs water, which when combined with fuel causes phase separation…a top layer of low-octane gas and a bottom layer of water-saturated ethanol. Water contaminated fuel can cause your engine to run badly or not at all, when you start up in the Spring.

MercCruiser says the fuel can be used, but accompanies the OK with caveats. Boat owners should always check with the lake marinas prior to filling up the tank and verify if the fuel contains ethanol or not. According to Neil Sweeney with Retail Fuels Marketing in Tulsa, ethanol is not currently being used in Oklahoma and especially not at marinas for boats due to the problems associated with it. However, it will be sold at highway service stations early next year, he says. Some stations in Texas area already using it. So if you are one of those who trailer your boat and fill up at highway stations, be careful.