Storing Boats Fueled with E-10
BoatU.S. Organization Recommends Leaving Tanks Full for the Winter
Sep 9, 2008
Boaters and marine operators have now had some time to adjust to the use of ethanol blended gasoline. The use of fuel additives like ethanol and methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) has become commonplace. Known as oxygenated fuel, federal formulation regulations now require manufacturers to blend the fuel with these types of additives to reduce levels of carbon monoxide generated. The form of ethanol blended gasoline most boaters now usew is composed of ten percent ethyl alcohol and is known as E-10.
Boaters initially had trouble with ethanol blended gasoline due to its cleaning effects on fuel system components, failures caused by components that were not alcohol resistant, deterioration of fiberglass fuel tanks, and phase separation of water out of the fuel. Problems seemed to be exacerbated when MTBE and Ethanol blended fuels were mixed in the same tank.
BoatU.S. or Boat Owners Association of The United States is an organization of 650,000 members that advocates for the interests of recreational boaters. They offer insurance and towing services to boaters and have developed some recommendations for winter storage of boats fueled with E-10.
Top Off the Fuel Tank
Fill built-in fuel tanks to near the top before hauling out for the winter. Leave enough room for the fuel to expand. Limiting the air space in the fuel tank reduces condensation forming from moisture-laden air flowing in and out of the tank.
Adding Fresh Fuel - Freshening - Does Not Work
BoatU.S. reports that marine owners experienced with E-10 use see phase separation of water out of the fuel most often when the fuel tanks are one quarter to one half full. Once phase separation occurs, adding fresh fuel will not address the problem of water in the tank.
Use a Fuel Stabilizer
The use of a fuel stabilizer is recommended for boats in long-term storage. They don't help prevent phase separation. Once phase separation occurs, the fuel tank needs to be professionally cleaned.
Ethanol Can Damage Fiberglass Tanks
Ethyl alcohol can dissolve the resins used to build fiberglass fuel tanks. Boaters need to verify with the tank manufacturer that it can be used with ethanol.
Leave the Fuel Tank Vents Open
Ethanol is hydroscopic; it absorbs water out of the air. Boaters may be tempted to block tank vents to keep moisture rich air out of the tank. This isn't a good idea. The pressure caused by expanding fuel could damage a sealed tank.
Portable Fuel Tanks
Gasoline found in portable fuel tanks can be recycled by using it in other vehicles, but don't try this with fuel blended for two stroke engines. Portable fuel tanks that need to be stored full for the winter should be placed in a well ventilated location that is not near ignition sources. BoatU.S. reports studies were gasoline has been found to evaporate through the walls of plastic tanks.
These are good recommendations from BoatU.S. based on their ongoing experiences with ethanol blended fuel. Time taken in proper boat preparation for winter storage is rewarded with easier commissioning in the spring.
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