Received the following email from Kingman Marina today. Offered FWIW for
those with gasoline powered boats.


RCE

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IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR BOATS WITH GASOLINE ENGINES

ETHANOL-BLENDED GASOLINE AND YOUR BOAT


Kingman Yacht Center has been closely monitoring the available information
on the impact of ethanol-blended gasoline in the marine environment. While
there are still many questions - both from our customers and from within the
marine trades - we are learning more every day.

As of May 1, 2006, all gasoline sold in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
contains 10% Ethanol (alcohol) as mandated by the Massachusetts E.P.A. This
decision creates some significant challenges for boaters and marinas.
Here's what we know at this time:

1. Ethanol is primarily alcohol (dry gas), and for years we have been
advised not to use dry gas as an additive in marine fuel systems. Now we
are required to introduce 10% Ethanol (dry gas).

2. Ethanol is being used in gasoline as an octane additive, to replace
MBTE which has been shown to be environmentally harmful, and help keep
octane up to recommended levels. If and when it finds water in your gas
tank, Ethanol will absorb the water and lower the octane rating of your
fuel - possibly to a level low enough that your engine won't run. It
depends upon the amount of water/contaminate in your gas tank.

3. Boat fuel systems are different from your car's fuel system in that
your automotive system is closed, while your boat's fuel system vents to the
atmosphere. This open vent system in your boat allows moisture to enter
your gas tank and mix with your gasoline. Ethanol (dry gas) loves water.

4. Prolonged non-use of your boat may present problems. After 60-90 days
of non-use the Ethanol will settle out of the gasoline in your tank,
reducing the octane levels in the tank. If you use your boat regularly, the
boat's movement will agitate the fuel and keep it blended. If you
anticipate not using your boat for several months, we're told that adding a
non-alcohol based fuel stabilizer may help. As to what happens when the
gasoline sits over the winter, we're working right now with experts in a
variety of fields to come up with answers.


WHAT THE MARINA IS DOING


5. Kingman Yacht Center has recently had its entire gasoline fueling
system inspected and updated to ensure that we have no water leaks and are
properly filtering the fuel before it gets to your boat. Additionally, we
have installed automatic sensors to identify any water in our tanks, and our
fuel vendor is manually testing for water in our tanks before every fill up.
We are also stocking a wide variety of fuel filters and fuel additives so
they are available when you need them.

WHAT YOU CAN DO


6. Run your current gasoline load (with MBTE) down as low as you can
before taking on the new Ethanol fuel. They tell us that the two types
don't mix well.

7. Keep spare fuel filters on board. Because Ethanol is an excellent
cleaning agent, it will clean any deposits out of your fuel system and
possibly break down older fuel system components. All of this material will
find its way into your fuel filters, so the possibility of clogged filters
is greatest after your first few fill ups. Plan on having your filters
changed at mid season, or more often if you use your boat a lot. If your
filters are constantly contaminated, consider draining your tank, cleaning
it, and refilling with new gasoline.

8. Keep your eyes open for fuel leaks! Because Ethanol may break down
some types of older fuel hoses, tanks, etc., if your engine/fuel system is
1991 or older frequent inspection of your system components is advised to
identify any signs of leakage, softening, hardening, swelling or corrosion.
If any deterioration is observed, parts replacement is required before
further operation.


9. Use your boat. The longer gasoline sits, the more chance of
separation and octane problems. Running the boat agitates the gas tank and
helps keep your fuel blended.


FINALLY - ASK US QUESTIONS! WE ARE RECEIVING NEW INFORMATION ON THIS ISSUE
EVERY DAY AND ARE STANDING BY TO HELP YOU IN ANY WAY WE CAN.


-- The Staff and Management of Kingman Yacht Center

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