Boaters Beware: Do not fill your tank with E15 gasoline
June 7, 2022
The Michigan Boating Industries Association has recently warned that E15 fuel, which contains 15 percent ethanol, will be sold in the summer months this year as a way to lower fuel prices in markets across the United States.
Your Canadian, as well as visiting American boaters may wind up with E15 in their tanks. In the past E15 was not sold between June 1 through September 15 – the typical boating season for most states. Due to this change, the Michigan Boating Industries Association warns boaters to beware at the pump, as it is dangerous to fuel your boat with E15 gasoline. Other small engines like motorcycles, off-road vehicles and power equipment are included in this danger.
Fueling with E15 can cause engines to overheat, resulting in very expensive damage, and will void any engine manufactures warranty. This bigger problem is, E15 can be hard to identify at the pump.
We have written about this before and recommended that our Canadian marine industry bring this to the attention of your boating customers through your own newsletters and customer communications. At the same time, encourage boaters to seek out ethanol-free marine gasoline and explain why it will cost more.
When people understand the danger of E15 and ethanol generally, they will be both less upset at the prices as well as more safe out on the water.
Andy Adams – Editor
