Boating enthusiasts often wonder whether it is acceptable to use regular gasoline in their boat instead of marine grade gasoline. While using regular gasoline in a boat may seem like a cost-effective option, it is not a safe option and can cause numerous problems.
The main difference between marine gasoline and regular gasoline is the amount of ethanol present. Ethanol is added to regular gasoline as an oxygenate to make it burn cleaner. However, this makes it unsuitable for boats since it can cause significant damage to the boat’s engine and fuel system.
Ethanol is known to absorb water, which can lead to corrosion in aluminum fuel tanks, fuel lines, carburetors, and even the engine itself. This can cause serious damage to the boat’s engine and other components. Moreover, ethanol can also damage seals, o-rings, and gaskets, leading to fuel leaks that can be hazardous.
Another concern is the low octane rating of regular gasoline. Boats require a minimum of 87 octanes, while most regular gasolines have just 85 octanes. Running a boat on low octane gasoline can cause engine knocking and pinging, which can cause further engine damage. It can also lead to a loss in engine power and decreased fuel efficiency.
Using regular gasoline in a boat is not a safe option. It may seem like a cost-effective solution in the short term, but in the long run, it can cause significant damage to the engine and fuel system. It’s imperative to use only marine-grade gasoline, which is specifically formulated for boating and contains no ethanol. Marine-grade gasoline has a higher octane rating than regular gasoline and is designed to protect the boat’s engine and fuel system from damage and wear. Boating enthusiasts should ensure that they always use marine-grade gasoline to ensure the safety of themselves, their passengers, and their boat.