Catalytic converters to get saltwater testing

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board have agreed to fund in-boat/in-water tests to determine the safety and performance of catalytic converters on marine sterndrive/inboard engines in saltwater environments.

CARB had been attempting to issue rules requiring catalytic converters on all sterndrive/inboard engines without testing the durability of the converters when in contact with salt water.

“Because the National Marine Manufacturers Association members who produce sterndrive/inboards are primarily small family-owned companies and lack the resources to perform the tests themselves, these companies would have been extremely burdened,” said John McKnight, NMMA director of environment and safety compliance, in a statement.

NMMA lobbied CARB, the EPA, Congress and the Coast Guard to require saltwater testing before any rules are issued, and to secure funding for those tests. The tests are expected to supply engine manufacturers with the data necessary to build durable catalytic converters for their marine engines.

“This is a classic example of how well-informed lobbying of officials makes a difference to the bottom lines of marine manufacturers and the safety of the boating public,” said NMMA vice president of government relations Monita Fontaine in a statement.

The testing is scheduled to take place over the summer. At the invitation of EPA, NMMA members will play an active role in determining how the tests are conducted, including which boats and engines are used.