Boat U.S. - May 2008 - (Page 7) Ethanol Exemption Becomes Law in Oregon In what boating groups hope will be a forerunner of things to come nationally, effective next Jan. 1, 2009, gasoline sold for use in boats in Oregon will be exempt from a 2007 law requiring that all fuel contain 10% ethanol. The bill, signed into law March 11, also applies to gasoline sold for aircraft, ATVs, gasoline engine-powered tools and classic cars. The 2007 law mandates that gasoline sold in the state contain ethanol as a pollution control measure. Called “E-10,” the 10% ethanol blend is a cleaner burning fuel that presents no problems for contemporary automobiles but can damage some boat engines and fuel systems. Since ethanol is a solvent, E-10 fuel can dissolve gummy residues in boat gasoline tanks. The disintegrating material can then clog filters, carburetor jets and fuel injectors, which can then cause the engine to stall. The problem can be particularly acute in vessels with fiberglass fuel tanks, since ethanol actually can dissolve tank walls. Ethanol also absorbs water, which can lead to “phase separation,” a problem for engines that are not run frequently. When that happens, the ethanol-water mix can settle at the bottom of the tank, near the fuel line intake, and this presents a safety problem for boat operators. “Let’s say you are crossing the Columbia River bar and your engine gets a big gulp of water and quits,” said Paul Donheffner, director of the Oregon State Marine Board. “That could have disastrous consequences.” Donheffner said the legislature may not have considered boats, aircraft and small engines when it passed the 2007 ethanol law. The marine board worked with lawmakers to include gasoline for watercraft in a 2008 fuel-related bill that included the E-10 exemption for aircraft. “It’s one of those things where a law has good intentions but unintended consequences,” Donheffner added. The change in the law does not affect the distribution and supply chain, and it is unclear as yet how gasoline distributors will be able to supply ethanol-free fuel specifically for use in boats. “For boaters who buy their fuel in marinas” this can be a good fix,” Donheffner said. “Since a marina may buy thousands of gallons at a time, they can order the unblended fuel from a jobber. But for the boater who buys fuel at the gas station down the block, the exemption does not mean the station will have to provide it.” For more on how boat owners can successfully deal with ethanol in fuel, go to: BoatUS.com/Seaworthy. Panama Canal Fees Go Up The cost of crossing the Isthmus of Panama in your own boat just went up. On March 1, according to a report in Southern California’s The Log boating newspaper, the canal authority raised the line-handling fees by 7%. The present $600 “transit fee” for boats under 50 feet increased by $42, according to the canal authority’s notice, and boats up to 79 feet will pay about $910, up from $850. Larger yachts will also pay more. Related fees such as pilotage and tug services, if required, could increase as well, according to the Log report. Best Vacation Options. • 30 incredible destinations • we take care of everything • wide range of options • do it yourself • partial crew • fully crewed • 35’- 77’ sailboats & poweryachts CREWED POWER SAIL The Moorings pioneered the charter industry and has been delivering the best yachting vacations in the world for over 38 years. Our reputation for innovative new yachts and unmatched customer service guarantees an unforgettable, personalized island cruising adventure. Call us today or visit us on-line for a choice of new and affordable vacation options that are sure to meet everyones needs. 800.669.7380 | www.mooringsvacations.com BoatU.S. Magazine May 2008 7 http://www.BoatUS.com/Seaworthy http://www.mooringsvacations.com http://www.mooringsvacations.com
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