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Study Proposed for Marine Use of Ethanol Fuels

Oberstar Sponsors H.R. 2652 Maritime Safety Act of 2009

© Alan Sorum

Jul 1, 2009
Ethanol or Ethyl Alcohol, Wikipedia Commons
Legislation pending in the U.S. House of Representatives could mandate further study of the effects of ethanol on recreational boat engines and equipment.

Representative James Oberstar of Minnesota has sponsored legislation that could revamp safety standards in the commercial fishing industry with his Maritime Safety Act of 2009 (H.R. 2652). This act represents significant improvements in the operation of commercial fishing vessels. The pending legislation also contains language that requires the study of blended fuels in marine applications. Problems associated with the use of ethanol in recreational boats were first addressed here at Suite101.com in September of 2006.

The introduction of marine fuels blended with ethyl alcohol has caused problems with boats. The most commonly found product currently on the market is an ethanol product blend containing 10 percent alcohol, known as E10. There have been efforts promoted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to increase the percentage of ethyl alcohol to levels of 15 percent (E15) or higher that have sparked new concerns with boaters over the potential negative impacts these higher levels of alcohol on their equipment.

Problems Found in the Use of Ethanol in Marine Applications

Boating industry groups have noted the harm caused by ethyl alcohol blended fuels on boating machinery, especially with older equipment. Ethanol fuel attracts water into the fuel system, degrades fiberglass fuel tanks, acts as an aggressive solvent, and has been linked to major engine repairs and failures.

In a press release, Vice-President of Government Affairs Margaret Podlich of BoatU.S., a recreational boating advocacy organization, says of the transition to E15, “We support renewable energy, however, our recent experience with a nationwide roll-out of E10… leads us to believe there has to be a lot more science and unbiased testing before we can universally accept E15. A few years ago, no one thought there would be any problems with E10, and there were. Boaters got stuck with the tab for repairs. Independent authorities have not tested higher levels of ethanol in marine engine systems, and its use may void a warranty. If this petition for a waiver is approved for E15 now — without testing it first for use with marine engines — boaters might be on the hook for these repair costs."

H.R. 2652 Section 23, Study of Blended Fuels in Marine Applications

The Maritime Safety Act of 2009 calls for a study to be made pertaining to the use, safety and performance of blended fuels in marine applications. H.R. 2652 would require a report be prepared by the U.S. Coast Guard to Congress within 180 days concerning the blended fuel and a formal study of its effects be completed within 36 months of the passage of the act. One million dollars is authorized to fund the study. The study would address:

  • The impact of blended fuel on recreational and commercial marine engines
  • The safety effects of blended fuels on users of recreational and commercial boats
  • The safety effects of blended fuel use on engines, engine components and associated equipment
  • Fires and explosions onboard vessels powered by blended fuels

The use of E10 in recreational boats has become routine. Expansion of marine ethyl alcohol use in E15 and higher blends of ethanol should be carefully studied based on the negative experiences suffered by boaters to date. H.R. 2652 has been referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for further consideration.


The copyright of the article Study Proposed for Marine Use of Ethanol Fuels in Boating & Sailing is owned by Alan Sorum. Permission to republish Study Proposed for Marine Use of Ethanol Fuels in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.


Ethanol or Ethyl Alcohol, Wikipedia Commons
        


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Comments
Jul 12, 2009 2:17 PM
Guest :
E10 has caused boaters a lot of unnecessary problems, but soon all engine types will be at risk if EPA waiver to increase ethanol content to 15% in conventional gasoline is approved.

It is obvious that the waiver submitted to the EPA for a 5% increase is a last ditch effort by the ethanol producers to push ethanol any way they can, without any consideration for the expense and damage it will cause your typical consumer and conventional engine owner.
While future engines can be designed to resist higher 15% alcohol or more, no market exists for E15 now. E85 plan (85% ethanol used only in specially designed flex fuel vehicle) has been a complete failure in the U.S. over past decade- Even those who own FFV's have tough time locating E85 pumps and often chose not to use E85 due to lower mpg resulting in higher cost.
To make it easier for public to respond to the EPA, we added a pre-formatted form on our website.
Complete and Submit Form NOW to Oppose E15:
http://www.fueltestkit.com/complete_form_to_oppose_e15.html

Without getting into all the controversial debates on the pros and cons of ethanol, these 2 non-debatable points are enough reasons to oppose E15.
1. Not a single conventional engine manufacturer currently approves of gas that contains over 10% ethanol.
2. E15 gasoline will invalidate all your current engine warranties for fuel system repairs.
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