Ethanol and Older Outboard Boat Engines

Ever since E10 gasoline (gas containing 10% ethanol) became widely available several years ago, the nation's largest recreational boat owners group, BoatUS, has received hundreds of calls and emails complaining about boat engine problems. The majority of complaints concern older outboard motors, those made before about 1990. BoatUS' Seaworthy magazine asked Mercury Marine's Ed Alyanak and Frank Kelley, who between them have over 60 years of experience, to find out what's made these decades-old outboards more susceptible to ethanol's well-known problems and what owners can do. 

1. Vulnerable hoses: In the mid 1980's new standards (SAE J1527) for fuel hoses were developed for "gasohol," which was known to deteriorate rubber and plastics. Since then, problems with hoses have largely gone away, but that doesn't mean they are maintenance free. Tech Tip: Any hose older than 10 years should be replaced. Here's another way to test rubber fuel hose condition: wipe a clean rag along the hose. If you smell gas on the rag, replace the hose immediately. 

2. Carburetors: O-rings and rubber carburetor parts on older engines tend to get hard and brittle when exposed to ethanol and then break off in bits and pieces causing clogs, misfires and shutdowns. Pre-1990 carburetors were also made from alloys that didn't stand up to ethanol, leading to corrosion that can cause tiny fuel orifices to clog, resulting in hard starts and poor running. Old carbs are also "dumb" in that they were designed to run on only one type of fuel. Ethanol, however, has more oxygen and affects the air/fuel ratio, causing engines to run leaner and hotter. Tech Tip: The best solution with old outboards is to run straight gas - if you can find it. Some mechanics may also have the ability to "recalibrate" a carburetor to tolerate E10 (note: gas with ethanol greater than 10% should never be used with any boat engine). 

3. Plastic fuel filter bowl: Some older engines may have plastic fuel filter bowls. Tech Tip: If you still have one, replace immediately with a metal bowl. 

4. Fuel fill gasket: Keeping water out of the fuel tank is even more important with ethanol as it can eventually lead to the formation of two separate solutions in the gas tank (water and fuel), also known as phase separation. The process is more common on older boats which are more likely to have accumulated water at the bottom of the tank. Once phase separation happens - the tipping point when water in the gas is either harmlessly ingested or transformed into a corrosive mixture no engine will run on - there's no going back. No fuel additive can restore E10 back to its normal state. Tech Tip: Age and exposure to ethanol can rot fill gaskets or O-rings. Replace them every few years. 

5. "Gunk" in the tank: It is still possible that some old outboards and boat fuel systems have yet to sip a drop of E10. But once your boat drinks its first tankful, ethanol will "scour" or dissolve the gunk that's been coating the tank walls (and hoses) for years. Tech tip: You may want to think about hiring a professional to have the tank drained completely of any gas and water at the bottom before adding your first load of E10. If not, keep a supply of filters on hand - they will clog quickly. Always use a fuel stabilizer and avoid using octane boosters that contain ethanol.

For more information on ethanol and boat engines, go to http://www.BoatUS.com/seaworthy/ethanol.asp.

Five Inflatable Life Jacket Myths: Do You Know the Truth?

Inflatable Life Jackets - which automatically or manually inflate with the tug of a pull cord - have been around over 25 years, but there are still quite a few misconceptions about how these life saving devices work. The BoatUS Foundation set out to debunk some of the myths: 

1. Inflatable life jackets are zero maintenance - Let's face it, pretty much nothing on a boat is zero maintenance. Before you head out for the day, simply check to ensure the CO2 cylinder is screwed firmly in and you can see the green indicator tab. Once a year, take it out and blow it up with your mouth, wait overnight, inspect for wear and check for leaks. Repacking is a task made simple - a few folds and a tuck - as instructions are found printed inside the cover flap. Most life jackets that automatically inflate when you hit the water also have small dissolvable components that periodically need replacement, but it's a simple process. A rearming "kit" comes with everything you need. 

2. One size fits all - While most inflatables are sized as "universal adult," all have adjustable cinch straps that will provide a good fit for nearly every size of grown-up on the boat. Inshore-type jackets tend to be less bulky and are more compact than those jackets designed for offshore use. There are no inflatables for kids under 16, but the BoatUS Foundation is working with other national boating safety groups and the US Coast Guard to increase support for inflatable jackets that are more suitable for kids. 

3. Not a lot of choices - Actually, there are. Once you get past a range of colorful designs, there are two basic styles of inflatable life jackets: over-the shoulder suspender-style and waist-fitting belt pack. All US Coast Guard-approved inflatable life jackets have a mark showing its type and how it should be used. A big advantage is that inflatables can provide nearly twice the buoyancy of similarly-rated foam life jackets, and are also are better in terms of righting a person in the water, when compared to some other traditional types. 

4. Inflatable life jackets are too expensive - Inflatable life jackets start at under $100. That is a real expense for some, but consider that a cheap life jacket that no one will want to wear is as useless as a hook without the worm. Belt pack types tend to be less expensive than suspender style, while automatically-inflatable types or those with extras like an integral sailing harness increase the price. 

5. Inflatable life jackets are uncomfortable - Baloney! Inflatable life jackets are compact, don't trap body heat, give full body movement, and can be as unobtrusive as small bait pouch attached to your belt. Look for one that has a neoprene chafe guard around the neck and one that can be adjusted to prevent it from shifting from side to side.

For more information on inflatables, go to: www.BoatUS.com/foundation/inflatable.

The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating. Funded primarily by the half-million members of BoatUS, it provides innovative educational outreach directly to boaters and anglers with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of America's waterways and keeping boating safe for all. To make a tax-deductible donation to this 501(c)(3) nonprofit, go to www.BoatUS.com/foundation.

Safety Urged for Early Season Boaters

 New Jersey State Police Urge Safety
for Early Season Boaters

New Jersey has been fortunate this year with unseasonably warm weather.  The spring-like days after a tame winter has already brought anxious boaters back out onto the frigid waters. Sometimes those adventurers pay for their enthusiasm with their lives.  This year, State Police have received no notifications of cold-water-related deaths, but in 2010, five fatal boating accidents occurred in March alone in New Jersey.

The off-season months are very dangerous for boaters because of the increased speed at which hypothermia sets in when mishaps occur.  Despite recent 60+-degree days, water temps on the Delaware River in the in the Trenton area are still in the mid 40s.  The Atlantic Ocean is only in the low 50s, and deeper lakes in the state are about the same.

Falls overboard are the most common types of fatal boating accidents, and boaters hitting that frigid water quickly find their strength sapped and their movements slowed down.  The human body cools down 25 times faster in cold water than in cold air.  Within minutes of being in the water, people can lose manual dexterity, muscle coordination and breath control.  Even strong swimmers can become drowning victims without the aid of a personal floatation device (PFD).

A common misconception is that in cold water, hypothermia will kill a person quickly, regardless of whether the person is wearing a PFD.  While hypothermia is a serious threat to life, most people would survive sudden immersion into cold water, and ultimately be rescued, if they were wearing a properly fitted US Coast Guard approved PFD when the accident occurred.

Be aware of the “Involuntary Gasp Reflex”
When a person is suddenly immersed in cold water, they will experience an “Involuntary Gasp Reflex” during which the person will immediately exhale, this will be followed immediately by an uncontrollable gasping for air.  As this occurs the person will generally panic, and, lacking a floatation aid, may begin to involuntarily inhale water and drown.  In many cases, drowning occurs long before the effects of hypothermia are experienced.  Again, the best defense is to wear a PFD.  While the PFD will not eliminate the gasp reflex, or the associated discomfort, the PFD will immediately float the person to the surface, thus allowing the person to be rescued.  Some PFDs will even turn an unconscious wearer face-up, allowing badly injured or exhausted individuals to be rescued. 

Boating Safety Tips
Always wear a life jacket.  Life jackets are an essential component to safe boating. There are many styles of life jackets available for a multitude of purposes including both extreme heat and cold.

Life Jackets Must Be:

• US Coast Guard approved
• In good and serviceable condition
• The appropriate size for the intended user.
• Wearable lifejackets must be readily accessible.
• You must be able to put them on in a reasonable amount of time in an emergency (vessel sinking, on fire, etc.).
• They should not be stowed in plastic bags, in locked or closed compartments or have other gear stowed on top of them.
• The best lifejacket is the one you will wear.
• Throw-able devices must be immediately available for use

Prepare properly

• Place your mobile phone in a waterproof plastic bag and keep it on your person.
• Leave a “Float Plan” with a close friend or relative.  A blank float plan can be found on page 43 of the New Jersey boating Safety manual.  The boating safety manual is available on the Marine Services Bureau web-site at www.njsp.org/maritime.
• Check the weather forecast
• Speak with locals to learn about local boating hazards
• Bring charts and maps of the area
• Check all safety equipment including VHF radios, GPS devices, emergency locator beacons and flares
• Pack a first aid kit robust enough for significant injuries that could occur while boating/hunting/fishing.
• Pack food and water, even for a short trip.
• Make sure your boat’s drain plug is in place

Dress to protect against hypothermia
Water temperature below 90 degrees is considered cold enough to cause hypothermia. Body heat is lost 25 times faster in water than in air of the same temperature. Dress in layers that will trap body heat even when wet. Wool and Polypropylene are good materials for such conditions. Avoid cotton fabrics. 

Follow all boating regulations
This includes having a wearable, Coast Guard-approved PFD for each person on board. Vessels that are 16’ in length or greater must also carry at least one type IV (throw-able) PFD.  Check the capacity plate of the vessel and be certain not to overload or overpower the vessel. 

If you should find yourself in the water
Relax and stay with the boat. If your vessel has capsized, try to climb out of the water and on top of your capsized boat to await rescue.  Do not worry about trying to salvage gear.  Anything that falls overboard is worthless compared to the value of your life. 

Additional Maritime Information
For more information about New Jersey boating laws and regulations, please visit the New Jersey State Police, Marine Services Bureau website at: www.njsp.org/maritime.

Common Boat Yard Accidents

 Preventing Injuries Around the Boat Yard

Let's admit it. We've all made mistakes. And when it comes to boating goof-ups that can cause a little pain, the folks at BoatUS Marine Insurance have seen them all, handling hundreds of claims each year. So here's a look inside the claims files for some of the more preventable mistakes that cause injuries around the boat yard every springtime, and some tips to avoid them: 

#1 Don't overload the ladder: At any marina each spring, ladders are as common a sight as channel markers on the ICW. Up. Down. All day long, boaters scramble on ladders to bring up supplies, fix things and prep their boat. Carrying heavy things, however, sometimes causes ladders to buckle. Lesson: have your own ladder and know its safe carrying load. It is also good to never face forward or have two persons on one at the same time, and understand that loose footwear such as flip-flops can snag on a ladder rung quicker than dragging a treble hook over Grandma's shag carpeting. 

#2 Jack stand missing: Painting the bottom of the boat to prevent marine growth is a common task for coastal boaters. However, there's always a section on the hull where you can't paint, usually where the jack stand supports the hull. Removing the jack stand to finish the paint job, however, almost always leads to an unstable boat, and using your shoulder to hold up the boat will get you to the emergency room pretty quickly. Lesson: Have the yard put the boat in a sling to finish the last few spots, or ask to have them add extra stands first (do not do this on your own). 

#3 Trailer tires not blocked: A trailer boater was working on his boat at home in the driveway when the trailer suddenly lurched forward due to the man's weight shifting on deck, causing him to fall - ouch! - to the pavement below. Lesson: Block the wheels every time, all of the time. 

#4 All come tumbling down: Every boater likes a shiny, waxed boat. What we don't like is to have to constantly move the ladder while using a heavy buffer on the gel coat. So we reach, we stretch, we lean so far out that the unbalanced ladder now tips sending us tumbling down, resulting in broken bones. Lesson: It's worth the extra time to ensure the ladder is always on a solid footing and secured to the boat, and don't over extend.

Boat Fuel Rising Quicker Than The Tide!

 Five Ways To Save Gas

With fuel costs on the rise, the nation's largest boat owners' group has five fuel saving tasks that can put a dent in your summer fuel bills. All of these tips from Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) are time tested to reduce fuel consumption, and boaters can accomplish most of them now while their boats are in winter layup - before the boating season begins. 

Lighten the load: It's one of easiest no-cost things to save on gas, and applies to just about every boat type on the water - power, sail or fishing. With the boat on jack stands or in the garage, jump aboard and take a good look at what you really need and clear out all of that junk under the floorboards, in lockers, or in less-used storage areas. And, if she's already in in the slip, remember that water weighs over eight pounds per gallon. Carrying more than necessary in freshwater and waste tanks is almost as bad as flushing money down the head. 

Get a tune-up: An annual engine tune-up, whether you do it yourself or ask a marine professional, is a must for any powerboat owner. It's also likely to save you the most money on gas in the long run. 

Check the prop: To avoid any delay in launching this spring, take your motor's prop to your marina, dealer or local prop shop now while they are less busy and can repair any dings. It's also good to have a discussion on your current boating needs. 

Trailering fuel-saving tips: Check tire pressure for proper inflation, ensure you have a tight fitting cover to decrease wind drag. Also, a five or six mile per hour decrease in towing speed will give a noticeable decrease in fuel consumption. 

Pay less for gas: Join BoatUS for only $24/year and the member fuel discount can be as much as $.10 off each gallon of fuel at over 340 BoatUS Cooperating Marinas. It's one of the Association's more popular member benefits and can pay for itself in as little as one or two fill-ups. For membership information, visit www.BoatUS.com or call 800-395-2628.

Vote for Your Favorite Boating Safety or Clean Water Grant Project

BoatUS Foundation To Give Grassroots Grants Up to $4,000

 

  The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is looking to the public to help it select the winning projects in the competitive 2012 Grassroots Grants Program. The program provides local non-profit groups up to $4,000 help boaters stay safe and keep our waters clean, and anyone with a love for the water is encouraged to go to either www.Facebook.com/BoatUSFoundation or www.BoatUS.com/foundation/grants/vote.asp to have their vote counted.

Voting begins today, March 1. Of the 13 grant proposals listed, those with the most votes by midnight (EST) on March 15, 2012, will have their projects funded. Boaters can vote for their favorite projects once a day until voting closes. 

Funds for the grants comes from donations by the half-million members of Boat Owners Association of The United States (www.BoatUS.com) and in the last 24 years, the Foundation has awarded over $1 million to organizations that have developed creative projects to promote safe and clean boating on their local waterways.

"The voting is usually very close," said BoatUS Foundation Program Manager Alanna Keating. "Your vote will really make a difference to these local communities," she added.