It is likely that you are aware of the dangerous effects of mid-level ethanol blend fuels including fuel with 15% ethanol, also called E15. Studies have shown that ethanol has a harmful effect on marine engines and associated marine equipment. While our industry continues to fight against the introduction of high ethanol fuel, we must take action NOW and warn boaters about these dangers.
On behalf of Tracker Marine, a member of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), enclosed you will find a public service announcement in the form of window clings for use on your store’s doors and windows. They can also safely be applied to boats and engines on display. The window clings are part of the outdoor power equipment industry’s consumer education effort, called Look Before You Pump. NMMA and our members are supporting this effort to ensure that as an industry, we are informing the public of fuel options when gassing up their boat.
No longer can boaters drive up to a gas station and expect the available fuel will properly run in their boat’s engine. Currently, most fuel sold at gas stations contains up to 10 percent ethanol (E10). In the past year, however, more stations are selling ethanol blends greater than 10 percent—such as 15, 30, 50 and even 85 percent ethanol. Some of these ethanol blends may be deceptively cheaper at the pump. But the price of fuel can no longer be the determining factor. Improperly using blends of gasoline containing greater than 10 percent ethanol can cause severe damage to marine engines. This can void manufacturer warranties and leave boaters out of the water for the boating season.
Please help us educate boaters by educating your customers. Place the enclosed window clings in a visible area of your retail location. Urge customers to take notice of the fuel before they gas up and check their owner’s manual.
If you’re interested in additional Look Before You Pump materials such as fact sheets and rack cards please contact Michael Lewan at mlewan@nmma.org. For information on NMMA’s fuel policy efforts in Washington on behalf of our industry, please contact Nicole Vasilaros at nvasilaros@nmma.org.
We appreciate your support of this important campaign to protect boaters.
Sincerely,
Thomas J. Dammrich
President
National Marine Manufacturers Association