To the Editor:

Recent EPA changes in the ethanol content of gasoline from 10 percent to 15 percent may severely impact the boating community.

BoatUS has issued a strong warning about the new enhanced ethanol (E15) standards approved by the EPA on Jan. 21, 2011. While the fuel is approved for cars, it has not been approved for marine engines. Even E10 (sold at many gas stations) has caused problems in 4-stroke engines. Ethanol is a strong solvent and degreaser which causes increased wear and tear on parts and degrades hoses and gaskets.╩Ethanol also absorbs a great deal of water, producing a corrosive mixture.╩Ethanol-blended gas should not be left sitting for more than 30 days because it is unstable.╩That is not a problem for cars which typically get used every day, but most of us don’t get to use our boats that often. Boaters who routinely fill their boat fuel tanks with gas from the local gas station should exercise great care – E10 gas is bad for boat engines, tanks, and gaskets; E15 will probably be much worse when it becomes available in our area. To be safe, boaters should avoid ethanol-blended gas in their vessels.

DON LINDBERG

Flotilla Commander

Washington Flotilla 20-06

U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary