Thursday, July 16, 2009
What boaters can do to help win the ethanol war
Bill Cochran
Recent columns
Boating groups, including the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Boat Owners Association of the United States (BoatUS), are locked in battle with powerful U.S. ethanol producers over whether ethanol in gasoline should be increased from the current 10 percent (E10) to 15 percent (E15).
E10 already is causing all kinds of problems for boaters. Marine repair shops that I have talked to say as much as 90 percent of their business currently is ethanol related.
We’ve had our boat in the shop twice this year. Even when it is running well, deep down there is the feeling that might change any moment, a reality that saps some of fun out of boating and fishing.
People representing boating interests are saying: “If you think E10 is bad just wait until E15 hits the pumps.” The fact is, outboard engines aren’t designed, calibrated or certified for use with gasoline containing more than 10 percent ethanol. Such use could void engine warranties and damage motors and fuel systems even more than what is currently taking place, according to NMMA and BoatU.S.
What can a boater do?
What I have done is installed the most advanced fuel filter available, treated my fuel with a stabilizer, searched for gas that is ethanol-free and run the engine as often as possible.
I’m still able to find a few stations that sell fuel void of ethanol, but that often means hauling it in containers for long distances.
As for what else can be done, the most important thing at the moment is to let the Environmental Protection Agency know what you think about E15. But you have to do it before July 20. That is the end of the comment period.
Boaters can go to BoatUS.com/gov or capwiz.com/nmma/ for more information on this subject and links to the EPA comment pages.
“We have a very simple position on this manner,” said Mathew Dunn, NMMA legislative director. “Science — not politics — should ultimately determine EPA’s decision on whether to allow the sale of any increased ethanol blend that’s more than 10 percent. At present, it is clear there is insufficient scientific and technical data to justify granting the increase, and EPA should therefore deny it outright.”
The fact is, there has been no independent testing of E15 in marine engines. The proposed increase has been promoted by ethanol producers who look at it strictly as an investment in their best interest. It is backed by some powerful legislators, who overlook all the negatives, from damage to engines to higher food costs.
The organizations that boaters/anglers depend on have been outmanned and slow to respond. If things get worse, there is a chance that some sportsmen will grow tired of the hassle and opt out of boating, which would have huge consequences for the industry.
“The marine industry as a whole should be fighting this tooth and nail, especially in this economy, when E10 causes property damage to boats and is a safety hazard,” Dean Billing told me in an email. He maintains a couple non-commercial Web sites that address the issue: e0pc.com and stopethanol.wordpress.com.
While much of the current battle is on the federal level, Billings points out that states, including Virginia, have some options.
“Any state can pass a law prohibiting the blending of ethanol in all premium unleaded gasoline without impacting the federal law,” he said. Thus, the simplest solution to this complex problem is to make all premium unleaded fuel ethanol free.
Wouldn’t it be great to have an ethanol-free pump where you fill up your boat? Sure, the premium fuel would cost more per gallon, but think of the savings in costly repairs not to mention better performance and peace of mind.
