Why Ethanol (E15) is Bad for Boats – the really quick version.

Gasoline is not your most exotic boat accessory purchase, but it will be your most frequent.  Yesterday the EPA moved ahead with its plan for E15.  I thought I’d explain the basics of why ethanol and boats do not mix.

Ethanol is a solvent.  It dissolves seals, gaskets, hoses and fiberglass fuel tanks.  Boats are different from cars because we will drive a mid-90’s boat and not think twice that the boat is currently 20 years old, long before ethanol was mixed in gasoline. Long before it was shown that ethanol would dissolve the rubber in gas hoses.  (Problem!)

Ethanol also degrades quickly, meaning it typically does not have the shelf life to last a  winter storage season.

Ethanol also loves water.  It attracts it, and you don’t want water in any fuel tank.

These problems have been noticed in other small engines, for example, lawn mower engines.

But, why not cars?  Because a car is typically used on a daily basis and the fuel is replenished before it degrades.  What is degrading? Degrading in your boat fuel tank goes like this. The water sepatates to the bottom of the tank, then you take off and the bow goes up the fuel pushes to the lowest point where the pick up tube is… Guess what, since the water has separated from “non-use” its at the bottom of the tank so that is what gets pushed into the engines.  Next you hear sputtering, this article does a fantastic job explaining it. You really should read it.

But I promised a very quick version of why ethanol free fuel is important in your boat.

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Top Boating Insurance Claims

It seems funny that an article that’s three years old could still have relevance, but, when talking about insurance claims, things don’t change much.

The interesting idea I’d like you to take away from this article is how to prevent a bad time with your boat.  Sure, weather events like lightening or hurricanes are hard to take out of the equation… but theft, accidents and collisions have some degree of prevention for boat owners.

Read the article and as you are shopping for a boat, this should give you a good foundation of talking points with your agent.

This was the ranking a few years ago according to the article.

1-Hurricane
2-Sinking
3-Weather/Wind
4-Striking Submerged Object
5-Fire/Explosion
6-Collision
7-Grounding
8-Injury
9-Theft
10-Lightening

Great Tips for Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)

Whether you’re on a stand up paddle board (SUP) from shore or you brought it with on your boat, there are some great safety features in the article I found here on the Daily Boater.   SUP’s are a fantastic way to get a little exercise while enjoying the waters.  You’ve got to use your common sense by practice safe boating habits, for example – wear a life jacket.  I mean, what good is it going to do if you hit your head falling off and the life jacket is strapped to the board?  Look at this as an opportunity to buy a cute new jacket that is just for paddle boarding.

That leads us into not being silly… it’s the same as riding a bike or walking.  The car can’t always see you – so don’t assume a boat can.  Here’s the fun part of a boat, might not hit you, but that wake can get pretty large and… SPLASH!  Take some time and watch out for boaters.

Finally – you’ve got to know when your board is a vessel – I’m thinking you can check with your local law agency, whether that’s coast guard or water patrol,  they’ll let you know before it costs you a license and fine. 🙂  #boatingrocks

Boating Risks: Carbon Monoxide Death Aboard Boat In Minnesota

I’ve attached the link to an article that you must read. Boating is a fantastic family event. But, as with every activity you must be aware of the risks.

Risks you may have in your awareness bucket include associations with swimming, falling, and general injuries.

This story highlights the rare but real carbon monoxide risk.  This did happen. It happened on my lake and as you see made the national news.  The weather was beautiful, 80 degrees in Minnesota in October.  And an 8 year old girl went in the cabin to take a nap.  She never woke up.

I was approached by a few customers about CO2 detectors on boats.  Yes, you can add one.  And yes, muskrats (critters) really do chew hoses if given the opportunity.

Don’t lose your passion for boating, just add this tragic story to your boating knowledge.

Please Read!

Source: Carbon Monoxide Death Aboard Boat In Minnesota | Boating Magazine