E-10 Considerations Pertaining to Winter Layup

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Press Contact: Scott Croft, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.com Date: October 23, 2006

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT E-10 ETHANOL FUEL AND WINTER BOAT LAYUP

This spring and with little prior notice, recreational boaters in most parts of the country were introduced to gasoline containing higher concentrations of ethanol, a corn-based additive that replaced a known carcinogen, MTBE. The new fuel, dubbed "E-10" for its 10% ethanol content, unfortunately has the ability to attract greater amounts of water and "phase separate," or form two separate solutions in the gas tank, usually over a long period of time. Once this happens, the engine won't run and internal damage could occur.

With the lengthy winter lay up period upon us, many boaters are asking how they should store their boat over the winter to prevent fuel problems next year. The BoatU.S. damage prevention newsletter, Seaworthy, tackles the problem in its October issue and has these recommendations:

=B7 Once phase separation occurs in E-10 gasoline, additives and water separators can't help. The only remedy is to have the gas and ethanol/water professionally removed from the tank.

=B7 With any fuel that sits in a tank for a long time, it's important to add a stabilizer. But understand that stabilizers do not prevent phase separation.

=B7 E-10 has been a fact of life in certain areas of the Midwest for over a decade and there have been relatively few problems. The best practical recommendation learned from marina operators in the region is to top off a boat's fuel tanks to about 95% full, leaving room for expansion. A tank that is almost full limits the flow of air into and out of the vent, which reduces the chance of condensation adding water to the fuel. Draining fuel tanks of E-10 gas, while completely eliminating any chances of phase separation, is potentially dangerous and an impractical solution.

=B7 Whether you believe your boat's fuel tanks are half full or half empty, leaving a tank partially filled is a bad move. A Midwest marina owner confirmed that phase separation problems typically occurred when boats were stored over the winter with tanks only one quarter to one-half full. In the summer, infrequently used boats with partially filled tanks are also prone to phase separation.

=B7 Never try to plug up a fuel tank vent to prevent moist air from entering a tank. Without room to expand, the additional pressure could rupture fuel system components.

All BoatU.S. marine insurance policy holders get a free subscription to Seaworthy. Subscriptions are also available for $10 a year (4 issues) by going to BoatUS.com/seaworthy or by calling 800-262-8082, ext. 3276. If you'd like to get a free insurance quote for your boat, go to http://BoatUS.com/Insurance or call 800-283-2883.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Press Contact: Scott Croft, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.com Date: October 23, 2006

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT E-10 ETHANOL FUEL AND WINTER BOAT LAYUP

This spring and with little prior notice, recreational boaters in most parts of the country were introduced to gasoline containing higher concentrations of ethanol, a corn-based additive that replaced a known carcinogen, MTBE. The new fuel, dubbed "E-10" for its 10% ethanol content, unfortunately has the ability to attract greater amounts of water and "phase separate," or form two separate solutions in the gas tank, usually over a long period of time. Once this happens, the engine won't run and internal damage could occur.

Gotta love those diesels!

Eisboch

E-TEC snob.

Eisboch

The new diesels designed to take advantage of the ultralow sulfur fuel will have to meet very stringent emission requirements and will be more sophisticated including the use of fine particulate filters. The older truck and boat diesels don't need to meet those requirements.

Eisboch

This release seems fact-based, as opposed to too many that simply scream "we're doomed, the gas is awful!" For many boaters in the north the storage period could be 6 months; will gasoline with a fuel stabilizer suffer phase separation in that time? I think the answer is "no"; keep the tank full and use fuel stabilizer.

Eisboch

:Engines made after 2006 can't use the new fuel. How's that gonna work? Engines made after now can't use the *old* fuel, which is still available, at least in some places. There should be a sticker on the diesel pump that says whether it's low sulfur or not. David

I am not sure what Charlie is referring to when he says "Engines made after 2006 can't use the new fuel."

Eisboch

:> Engines made after now can't use the *old* fuel, which is still :> available, at least in some places. There should be a sticker on the :> diesel pump that says whether it's low sulfur or not. :> :> David

:From what I've read there are different phase in dates for the ultra low :sulfur fuel. :For marine diesel engine fuel, the current "low sulfur" (500 ppm) becomes :mandatory in 2007. :The "ultra low (15 ppm) sulfur" fuel (which is now in use as of Oct 15th for :on road vehicles) will be required for marine diesel engines in 2012.

You're right, I think. The fuel will be gone before than, though. It won't be availabe for road use after 2010, I think, and as that's the biggest market, once it's gone, it doesn't make sense to handle two different products. I expect 500 ppm fuel will disappear before 2010, because handling two products is a pain for distillers and shippers. David

Temporary insanity can apply to almost every one who participate here.

Except for me of course. :>)