Is ethanol gas bad for my boat?

[kmoney 2]

Is ethanol gas bad for my boat? Do I need to buy a higher grade gas to put in to make up for this? I can't find gas that doesn't contain 10% anywhere nearby. Just want some opinions. Either way ethanol gas was a terrible idea.

[David 0]

I would check your owner’s manual. I think most the newer boats can run with 10% ethanol with out any problems. I normally just use premium gas with 10% ethanol. If the boat is going to sit for a week or two I will add some fuel treatment like Sta-bill. I know of only one station in my town that sell ethanol free and its about a dollar more a gallon.

Edited February 3, 2010 by David

[Kyle 0]

When ethanol first came out, I had heard that it would create sludge in the fuel tank. I had my Sea Ray then and the Sea Ray manual said not to use it. Evidently it is not kind to the poly tanks.

I do use it, since I can no longer find anyplace that sells gas without it. Maybe marine grade fuel?

[Troy 234]

In our 94 Four Winns I used Star-Tron constantly also to counter act the ethanol. If I remember correctly the manual for our Avalanche said 10% ethanol is ok. I will add the Star-Tron to the fuel for winter storage.

[h20king 794]

on older boats ethanol would break down the fuel hose and plastic fuel tank new boats are made with ethanol in mind you have nothing to worry about>I also sugest you only use fuel stabilizer when boat is going to be laid up for some time