E-85

[Guest Removed]

its going in a boat...doubt hes going to be cruising around in the winter time in it

nate was talking about the gtp...go figure off topic in a thread :gtfo:

[Total Sign]

http://www.fuel-testers.com/marine_boat_ethanol_problems.html

http://www.evinrude-parts.com/boat_ethanol_danger_precaution.html

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/04/ethanol_class.html

The links go on and on. Remember E85 is 85% ethanol (alcohol). Alcohol will absorb tons of water, especially in a high humidity environment such as in a boat. Your fuel line will have to be replaced with something other than rubber, which will not be coast guard approved.

 

Also will that gas station by your house follow you around? The closest to alum is the Meijer on 23, your looking at a minimum of an hour to refuel from pulling out to dropping in, barring no ramp traffic or other cars on the road. Erie, no idea whats close there with E85. Cumberland, I know nothing between Renfro Valley and the lake has it, so your looking at over an hour drive each way, plus time to put it on the trailer and unload. Not sure what power the motor is going to make this go around, but FYI a HP500EFI will burn 42GPH at 5200. With the stroker you have, I was running through 2-3 tanks a weekend at alum.

 

With the cometic head gaskets going .120" now, you can drop almost a point of compression, go with those and run straight gas and forget the headaches. Been there and ran specialty fuel in a boat, never again.

 

Cred05 and thorne, you are big E85 guys, how fast are your boats running?

[Guest Removed]

they run e-85 in cars..lety alone, you have to remember you will burn more e-85 gallon for gallon vs gas!

[FormulaMatt]

http://www.fuel-testers.com/marine_boat_ethanol_problems.html

http://www.evinrude-parts.com/boat_ethanol_danger_precaution.html

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/04/ethanol_class.html

The links go on and on. Remember E85 is 85% ethanol (alcohol). Alcohol will absorb tons of water, especially in a high humidity environment such as in a boat. Your fuel line will have to be replaced with something other than rubber, which will not be coast guard approved.

 

Also will that gas station by your house follow you around? The closest to alum is the Meijer on 23, your looking at a minimum of an hour to refuel from pulling out to dropping in, barring no ramp traffic or other cars on the road. Erie, no idea whats close there with E85. Cumberland, I know nothing between Renfro Valley and the lake has it, so your looking at over an hour drive each way, plus time to put it on the trailer and unload. Not sure what power the motor is going to make this go around, but FYI a HP500EFI will burn 42GPH at 5200. With the stroker you have, I was running through 2-3 tanks a weekend at alum.

 

With the cometic head gaskets going .120" now, you can drop almost a point of compression, go with those and run straight gas and forget the headaches. Been there and ran specialty fuel in a boat, never again.

 

Cred05 and thorne, you are big E85 guys, how fast are your boats running?

 

All true. I think I will just stick with regular pump.

[Total Sign]

All true. I think I will just stick with regular pump.

 

Don't get me wrong, not saying its impossible, but the KISS theory goes a long way in being on the water every weekend.

[flyinbrian]

It looks like you have decided to stick with pump gas. In the event anyone is reading this thread or you have reconsidered, be sure to contact your boat manufacturer before making the switch. I was lucky enough to own a Skater for a while and was also lucky not to have the fuel tank issues many Skater owners are having now. It turns out that the factory molded in fuel tanks in the hull of the boat using fiberglass. This was fine pre-ethanol pump gas. Once pump gas started introducing a small percentage of ethanol, these fuel tanks started to deteriorate to the point of dumping all of the fuel into the rest of the hull. Not a good situation. The issue is repairable, but the price is high in order for it to be done right. I would assume E85 would speed up this process considerably if your boat has a similarly designed fuel tank(s).

 

Just my .02

 

For reference, here is the boat I had. Sold it before moving to Virginia from Fla. Don't miss the upkeep, cost, hassle..... do miss the speed and fun-

 

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b115/brianscy/Bathroom%20remodel-Fla/105.jpg

[Total Sign]

The 18, 21, 24, early 28's, and 32A's were all vinylester boats which had no problem with ethanol. When Skater switched to epoxy, the resin used specifically lists ethanol as a solvent, hence the problems on the newer boats. The price at skater is 7k for a 32. I know, I had it done.

 

Matts tank is aluminum and will still have issues.