Ethanol, the saver of the modern age. I will not go into detail of why I feel we have overreacted again and not thought out what this stuff really does. Suffice it to say it is not all it is cracked up to be and we are a long way from saving fuel and ending the oil crisis by using ethanol. the fact is we are stuck with it.

Our boat motors were designed in the 80,s to burn ethanol and most fuel lines  and rubber parts have been converted , so no problem to the motor in most cases. Now the bad news.

Ethanol sucks water out of the air, through your tank vent system. As it sits in the tank in it makes its own water. Since our tanks sit still for much of the time this water settles out to the bottom. Also tiny bits of debris and dust  stick to the walls of your tank sealed in by the varnish left from gasoline. Ethanol "washes " the tank sides like paint thinner causing debris to settle to bottom. When you run your motor this crud gets sucked into the fuel system. Carbureated motors are not so bad, we clean  and rebuild the carbs flush the lines and you are on your way. Those of you with HPDI, fuel injection, fitcht and optimax have greater problems. This stuff plugs injectors, ruins high press. fuel pumps, vapor tanks etc. Repairs can be way more expensive. What can we do?

2. add fuel conditioner every time you add gas. Each manufacturer claims to have the best, make your own choice. Any kind is better than no kind.

3. Use the boat more or at least agitate the fuel tank(move boat around) often to keep the particles in suspension.

4. periodic adding octane boosters will in crease performance and reduce fuel consumption.

5. change the fuel filters on the motor often in addition to the canister filter you need to install.

The best advice I can give is uses the boat often and try not to buy ethanol. Complain to your political representitives about ethanol and its Federal Support. If this stuff is so good why does the government need to help it along?