Ethanol increase for 2017

[Britboater]

I was reading about the EPA pushing forward a proposal to increase gas ethanol levels to 15% for 2017, I also read how most marine engines are not designed for any higher than 10% and it's actually illegal to use any fuel higher than 10%.

Does anybody have any further info on this?

 

[Gym]

Yes, EPA is pushing to increase ethanol % in transportation fuel/gas to 15%. Yes, you are correct that current marine engines will operate well with over 10% ethanol and it will actually cause engine wear prematurely.

Marina gas stations will still provide ethanol free gas, REC 90 and high octane fuel as they do today and some gas stations (Valero and RaceTrac I know do at some locations) will continue to provide ethanol free 87 octane.

The impact felt by boat owners will probably be a increase in cost per gallon for ethanol free fuels, further increasing the cost of ownership and the gap in price between "conventional" fuel. I doubt it will impact the availability of ethanol free fuel.

I wonder how it will affect people who don't keep their boats in the water and fill on the road?

 

[Murf'n'surf]

Ain't this country great? I'm switching to premixed fuel in a can for my small 2 stroker engines. I'm soooo tired of fuel line, primer bulb and carb kits! Can't wait to see how my 230 will run on water....geesh

 

[Joe Hellaby]

Great app for finding ethanol free http://www.pure-gas.org/extensions/map.html

 

[jeremy0011]

They are also talking about lowering the limit of total gallons of nonethnol produced which will significantly drive up the cost. 15% will cost us all and is only good for farmers and repair shops.

 

[mb300sd]

Everyone go sign this. Pretty sure it works even if you're not a BoatUS member.

http://www.capwiz.com/boatus/issues/alert/?alertid=72776626

 

[Noko]

I don't think it will be "illegal" to used the higher ethanol content. It may void the warranty but I'm not sure of that.

 

[JeffC]

There will be some sort of grand fathered rule.