The Environmental Protection Agency recently allowed fuel companies to increase the amount of ethanol found in gasoline from 10 percent to 15 percent, which may cause damage in older boat engines. Ethanol increases the acidity of the fuel, which can dissolve fuel tanks and lines, damaging, clogging and stalling engines. The Boat Owners Association of the U.S. offers tips: change fuel filters more often; use ethanol compatible hoses; use fuel stabilizers; use an aluminum fuel tank; and when leaving your boat sitting, fill the tank to 95 percent capacity to allow fuel room to breathe while limiting the space for potential condensation. For more tips, visit www.boatus.com.
Increased ethanol in gasoline can cause damaged boat engines
