Only recently have I fully begun to understand the scope of the ethanol controversy in our industry. Over dinner a few weeks ago with my dad, a commercial fisherman in Maine, the conversation migrated to boats (it always does) and the trouble he was having with his outboard; a late-90’s carbureted 4-stroke. The problem, which comes as no surprise to anyone in the marine industry or anyone who pays attention to marine industry news, is that his engine and ethanol do not mix.
The use of ethanol, a fuel oxygenate and aggressive solvent, which, due to its hygroscopic nature, inhibits fuel flow and dangerously reduces engine performance, just doesn’t make sense in a marine environment. My dad’s engine has been in and out of the repair shop and he’s frustrated. Boats are central to his livelihood. In addition to his frustration, he’s had to miss work and drive all over getting this fixed.
I am frustrated, too. It really struck me that my dad’s problem with his outboard stems from decisions made by politicians in Washington, D.C., directed primarily by lobbyists and businessmen motivated by pure self-interest, not the broader prosperity of fishermen, the marine industry, or the environment.
I wanted to learn more about how ethanol works so I spoke with a good friend of mine who is a marine mechanic and boat systems whiz. I was so surprised to learn how much time he spends fixing outboards because of the ethanol in gasoline. It accounts for nearly all the work he does on outboard engines during the summer season. He deals with the effects of ethanol in our gasoline every day. Every day.
So now I’ve got my dad’s outboard that’s in the shop and my friend and other outboard mechanics who spend significant parts of every working day fixing outboards because of the ethanol mandate. And then I consider all the recreational boaters who are frustrated by their experiences on the water because of unreliable engines and unnecessary problems. I need to do something – something for my family, for my friends, and for my industry.
The American Boating Congress takes place in May and allows the marine industry to come together in Washington and fight for the issues that matter to us. I may only be one voice, in one industry, but I believe we can make a difference. That’s why I will be on Capitol Hill for the American Boating Congress, May 11 -13, to advocate for an end to the Renewable Fuel Standard. The amount of time that is wasted dealing with ethanol in our industry is troublesome and the impact its production has on the environment is irreversible. Let’s come to together to advocate for more efficient alternatives and put an end to the ethanol mandate. For more information about the American Boating Congress, click here.
I’ll see you in Washington.
-Kate Holden