Purchasing a boat put a bit of a dent in our monthly budget, but each time we fill the tank I cringe even more. Knowing that we intended to use the boat every weekend I put together a gas budget. Being inexperienced, I based my budget on standard gasoline, the less expensive kind containing ethanol. I am frugal by nature so after filling up at the marina the first time to the tune of $150, I vowed to find a more economical route.

I noted rather quickly that the gas at any of the marine docks was much more expensive than the gas stations I fill my van at. The next weekend as we filled up at the dock I decided to interview the attendant.

Admitting I was a novice up front, I asked the attendant why I should be using marine gasoline vs. the regular gas the mainland stations sell. His answer was simple—Ethanol

Research confirmed what my knowledgeable attendant stated. In the simplest terms possible

Ethanol:

Is safe and designed for cars but not boats

Can cause fuel separation

Attracts and pulls water into fuel tank causing misfires

Works as a solvent consequently, deteriorating parts causing leaks and breakage

Can cause costly repairs when technicians have to empty and dispose of bad gas

Filling with E10 gas today may not cause any problems this week or even this month, but most mechanics agree that using it on a regular basis will eventually cause you some grief. Most boat engines are not designed to handle ethanol gas. That being said, it is always wise to check with your boat manufacturer for their opinion. In conclusion, it appears to be wise to spend a bit more today to save on costly repairs tomorrow.

Last weekend I sat at the dock watching through clenched teeth as I poured money into our tank. The total came to$126.00. Before pushing off, I asked the attendant what his largest sale was and he grinned as he answered. He had just filled up a 120 foot boat and the captain told him to go ahead and put in about $15,000 (not a typo). Feeling a bit better about my fraction of a purchase, we idled away smiling. I’ll get a bit more creative and trim the budget elsewhere, but buying the best gas for my boat seems to be a worthwhile cause.