Summer E15 Fuel Authorization Could Spell Disaster for Lakes Area Boaters

FARGO (WDAY) – Lake goers who like to spend their summer out on the boat are being warned about a recent authorization allowing the summer sale of gasoline containing 15% ethanol (E15).

Under an emergency waiver issued Friday by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel stations across the country will be able to sell gasoline blended with 15% ethanol during the summer in an effort to curb rising gas prices.

E15 is federally prohibited for recreational vessel use because it causes marine engine damage, and will void marine engine warranty. Additionally, E15 fuel has been shown to make engines run hotter, increasing the potential of a catastrophic boat fire. The U.S. Coast Guard says signs or warning labels may not be obvious at the pump as it may simply be marked as “regular 88” or “regular unleaded”. The convenience of filling a tow vehicle and boat at the same time may cause boaters to overlook this potentially dangerous detail.

Summer boaters are encouraged to ensure the fuel they are dispensing into their boats contains no more than 10% ethanol (E10)