Boaters Need to Understand the Renewable Fuel Standard and Ethanol's Impact on Boats

The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) was created with good intentions—to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by mandating the inclusion of renewable fuels like ethanol in gasoline. However, while ethanol-blended fuels can work well in cars, they can wreak havoc on boat engines.

When water mixes with ethanol, it can cause phase separation, leaving a corrosive mixture at the bottom of your fuel tank. This can lead to engine stalling, costly repairs, and even complete engine failure. Additionally, ethanol is a solvent that can degrade rubber and plastic components in fuel systems, further increasing the risk of engine damage. To state the obvious, boats operate in a wet environment, making ethanol blended fuel less than optimal.

As boaters, it's essential to be aware of these risks and BoatU.S. advocates for policies that protect our engines and ensure access to ethanol-free fuels.