Boaters oppose more ethanol in their tanks - Sell Boats

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Bill Griswold remembers fishing in Rehoboth Bay with his family when his boat's motor sputtered and quickly died.

Stranded on the water, the Griswolds were towed back to the marina. A mechanic showed them what was wrong with the boat's four-stroke engine.

"The fuel line and filter system were completely clogged with a gum that looked like mayonnaise," Griswold said.

Griswold is like many boaters who say that gasoline containing 10 percent ethanol has damaged their boat's engines and spurred them to spend thousands in replacement costs. The boating industry and many states aren't happy about an ethanol industry request now before the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to start allowing gasoline to contain up to 15 percent ethanol by volume.

Ethanol is a corn-based alcohol that has won federal support because it lowers carbon emissions and reduces the nation's dependency on petroleum. However, critics say ethanol burns at a higher temperature and is disruptive to a multitude of small engines, including aircraft, chainsaws, weed whackers and snow blowers.

Robert Gaudette, director of boating services for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, said he remembers the roll-out of E-10 gasoline causing havoc among boaters. By now, he said, many of the state's 200,000 registered boaters have adjusted to the new fuel.

"Boat manufacturers can handle E-10. They're not exactly sure what (a higher blend) will do," Gaudette said.

E-10 requirement

The federal government requires marinas in many parts of Maryland and throughout Delaware, including Sussex County, to sell E-10 gasoline. The EPA has identified the places as "nonattainment" areas, which means they have poor air quality and only ethanol blends emitting fewer greenhouse gases can be sold there.

Somers Cove Marina in Crisfield is proud to sell fuel without ethanol -- even if it means boaters must pay 20 cents more per gallon to get it, said Lloyd Tyler, the facility's executive director.

Somers Cove had sold the E-10 gasoline, but in August went back to an ethanol-free blend, he said. He said it is becoming more difficult to find ethanol-free gasoline, as fewer refineries are now producing it.

"We had so many complaints from our boaters, particular the outboards, the smaller ones," he said. "They said it caused excessive condensation in the fuel tanks, and on the fiberglass or plastic tanks, it causes them to peel, and that mess gets into the fuel lines."

The Wicomico Yacht Club also switched back to selling gasoline without ethanol in it, said Scott McCurdy, a member of the Allen-based club.

"Most people are willing to pay 10 or 15 cents more on a gallon because that cost pales in comparison to repairing or getting a carburetor replaced," McCurdy said.

McCurdy, the owner of North Bay Marine in Fenwick Island, said while adding certain additives to the fuel can help, ethanol can cause water to build up in the gasoline and can damage a boat's fuel line. Furthermore, boaters who wait extended periods of time between using their boat tend to experience more problems, he said.

"In the last two summers, we have done more carburetor work than in the past 10," McCurdy said.

Joe Morris, who owns the marine store at Lewes Harbor Marina, said ethanol will degrade parts of older engines that aren't resistant to alcohol. For example, it will destroy rubber fuel lines and plastic gaskets.

Morris said ethanol acts as a detergent, scrubbing off soot that ends up clogging up filters and carburetors. Unless boaters put special additives into their fuel, they run the risk of the ethanol causing "phase separation." It occurs when gasoline, water and alcohol separate into layers within the tank, and the result is that the engine stalls.

"The engine literally starves for gasoline," Morris said.

Rise in ethanol by volume

Last March, Growth Energy, a national pro-ethanol group, and 54 ethanol manufacturers petitioned the EPA to allow gasoline to contain up to 15 percent ethanol by volume.

The deadline for the EPA to decide whether to boost the ethanol amount is Dec. 1. EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson told Reuters last week that it may work past the deadline because it is still reviewing test results on the higher blend's effects on engines.

Meanwhile, a bill introduced by U.S. Sens. Benjamin L. Cardin, D-Md., and Susan Collins, R-Maine, would try to ensure the new blend is sufficiently tested before entering the marketplace. Senate Bill 1666 would require EPA's Science Advisory Board to study the compatibility of the new fuel blend with current engines before any new standards are adopted. At this point, the bill has been referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Cardin released a statement in which he said that while he supports developing biofuels to help the U.S. decrease its dependency on foreign oil, the new products cannot harm boats, chainsaws, lawnmowers and other products.

"We need to let good science guide us in making sure that we are getting the clean air benefits and engine performance that boaters, lawn care companies and others who rely on smaller engines deserve," Cardin said.

Delaware's DNREC was among those who submitted materials to the EPA in which they opposed the E-15 request. DNREC submitted 17 pages of materials.

"Most cars are only equipped to handle ethanol at 10 percent. They'll experience performance issues, run hotter and see a drop in gasoline efficiency at E-15," said Majorie Crofts, acting director of DNREC's Division of Air and Waste Management.

Griswold is convinced that ethanol is to blame for the problems his boat had on the water. To counteract the effects of E-10, Griswold has spent thousands of dollars to modify his boat and use gasoline additives, he said.

"All of the sudden, an engine that had been flawless had two breakdowns while out on the water," he said.

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A look at the 10 best fishing products of the last 75 years. Used Boat Sales

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Last year, the American Sportfishing Association, the voice for the sportfishing industry, celebrated its 75th anniversary. Recently, they partnered with the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation to survey thousands of this country's most avid anglers to find out which products they feel have been the most instrumental in shaping the sport over the past seven and a half decades.

Sorted by the date of introduction, these are the top 10 fishing products which span six categories: accessories, electronics, lines, lures, reels and rods:

Original Rapala Floater Minnow (1936). This hard body lure is one of the most successful and widely used lures in fishing history. It is still the "go to" lure of many of today's bass and trout anglers.

Nibble, Nabber Springloaded Bobber (1947). This red and white bobber replaced the cork as an indicator of a strike. In those days many anglers fished with live bait and the bobber made suspending them at a desired depth simpler and easier.

Mitchell 3000 (1949). This was the first commercially successful spinning reel and is one of the most common reels used today. Costing $18.95 in the 1950's, that was a good sum of money and out of reach for many of us. But it was the best spinning reel on the market. My first one was purchases overseas through a serviceman's rod and gun club and was shipped home, awaiting my discharge. It was a tough workhorse of a reel and millions
of casts were made with it. The only thing that ever went wrong with it was the bail spring, and fortunately, Dick Moon's Sporting Goods Store in Pittsfield had the capability of making and replacing them.
n Crème Plastic Worm (1949). It changed the sport forever as the first, and still famous, long lasting artificial worm that both looked and felt real. (It changed my tackle box forever, too because it interacted with the plastic tackle box and actually melted into and ruined it).

Zero Bomb Company Closed Face Spincast Reel (1949). Costing only $3 or $4, it made fishing easy and affordable to everyone, regardless of age, gender or expertise. I had a lot of entanglements with mine which contributed greatly to my vocabulary of profanity. It finally ended up on the bottom of one of our lakes, (accidentally dropped overboard of course). They have greatly improved since then and are currently manufactured by ZEBCO Brands.

Lowrance Fish Lo-k-Tor (1957). The Little Green Box introduced anglers to the use of sonar in locating individual fish.

DuPont Stren Monofilament Line (1958). Improved the durability, affordability and casting ability of fishing line while reducing its visibility to fish.

Minn Kota Trolling Motor (1958). This was the first electric gear-driven trolling motor that gave anglers the ability to quietly maneuver and position their boats. Originally manufactured by Minn Kota, it is now manufactured by Johnson Outdoors.

Fenwick High Modulus Graphite Rod (1972). Its super-sensitive carbon (graphite) fibers revolutionized the method of making fishing rods and how anglers fished. I never owned a Fenwick graphite but I owned and still fish with their excellent fiberglass rods.

The Shakespeare Ugly Stick (1976). With its special construction, it created an affordable, unbreakable and dynamic fishing rod still in use today. I like this rod so much that I own two of them in different sizes.

I'll bet some of you gray haired anglers owned and enjoyed many of these products and wonder if you, like me, still have them and dig them out of the closet or cellar from time to time. It is fun dusting them off and thinking back to the good old days, cherishing memories of lunker fish that were (or weren't) landed, where we were fishing at the time and with whom.

The Lake Garfield Association will be sponsoring a fishing derby for children 12 and under next Saturday (Aug. 8) at the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery Lower Pond on Hatchery Road in Mill River. The derby, which is free and open to the public, runs from 9-11 a.m.

Zebra mussels: It is encouraging to see the Lakes and Ponds Assn (LAPA), the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen (BCLS) and representatives from the bass fishing clubs meeting and attempting to establish a dialog on how to address the zebra mussel issue. Obviously, there is some common ground, that being that they all want to see the mussels contained and not spread to neighboring waters. They also agree that ramp monitoring is a good idea and issue a call to the fishing community to volunteer as monitors. They agree to work together to help increase the public's awareness to the perils of the mussels.

Other than Laurel Lake, many sportsmen do not agree on the closing of boat ramps. LAPA would like to see them all temporarily closed (45 days) to help curtail the mussel spread while experts figure out a course of action. Most fishermen that I know disagree. Their position is that Laurel Lake is the only local lake confirmed as having the mussels. If people are cleaning their boats and there are ramp monitors inspecting them, then why exclude the general public from using the other public waters. Besides, the ramp barriers have no effect on those who use canoes and kayaks anyways for they can just be carried anywhere and launched, which is currently happening in a lot of places.

Brunswick Public Foundation donates $74,000 to FdL, Oshkosh United Way - Used Boat Sales

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Brunswick Corporation, parent company of Mercury Marine is donating $74,000 in support of the Fond du Lac and Oshkosh area United Way 2009 fundraising campaigns.



The donation brings to $389,300 the total funds contributed by the Brunswick Public Foundation to the Fond du Lac and Oshkosh Area United Way since 2005.



"The Brunswick Public Foundation has always supported the Fond du Lac community through United Way contributions, and we are extremely appreciative of that support," said Tina Potter, executive director of the Fond du Lac Area United Way.



Mercury Marine and its employees have traditionally shown strong support for the local United Way campaigns.



"Mercury and Brunswick have always felt compelled to do their part to assist Fond du Lac and surrounding communities, but that is especially true today with so many people struggling against these challenging economic times," said Mark Schwabero, president of Mercury Marine. "Obviously, this is a difficult year for most families, and we understand we need to support the many important programs funded by the United Way.



"It's not only the right thing to do — our employees are sometimes the beneficiaries of the services and assistance offered by United Way. We are grateful that, through the Brunswick Public Foundation, we are able to make this very worthwhile contribution."



Potter acknowledged that corporate donations are more critical this year than in the past.



"This funding comes at a crucial time for our 17 partner agencies and the communities they serve," she said. "In 2008, 31,775 local men, women and children were served by United Way funding. As of Sept. 30, 2009, our partner agencies had already served 35,345 individuals, a 25 percent increase over year-to-date 2008. And we expect that number to increase over the next three months."



Potter thanked Mercury Marine employees, who recently launched a United Way fundraising campaign.



"The Fond du Lac Area United Way has established a $1 million goal for its current fundraising efforts," she said. "We knew there would be immense need this year given the economic climate, and we're deeply grateful for the giving campaign in which Mercury employees are currently involved to help us achieve that goal."



Between 2005 and 2009, Mercury employees raised $435,550 for the Fond du Lac and Oshkosh Area United Way funds.



The Foundation also donated $53,000 to the Stillwater, Okla., Area United Way.

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Assessment of USS Hartford and New Orleans. Used Boat Sales / Sell A Boat 888-306-BOAT

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The U.S. Navy submarine and U.S. amphibious ship that
collided in the Strait of Hormuz March 20, have been undergoing extensive engineering and damage assessments since pulling into Bahrain March 21.

Engineering and technical experts arrived in Bahrain to assess the damage to USS Hartford (SSN 768) and USS New Orleans (LPD 18). They will augment Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center (MARMC) Detachment Bahrain.

Twelve Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard (PHNSY) personnel and two Naval Sea Systems (NAVSEA) experts are assessing the damage to Hartford and New Orleans and have begun initial in-theater repairs.

While overall damage to both ships is being evaluated, investigators believe Hartford rolled approximately 85 degrees during the collision.

Despite the roll, engineering investigations have confirmed the propulsion plant of the submarine was unaffected by this collision.

However, Hartford sustained damage to its sail and periscope, as well as the port bow plane.

New Orleans suffered a ruptured fuel tank. Divers have determined the resulting hole is approximately 16 by 18 feet in size. There was also interior damage to two ballast tanks.

In addition to the engineering efforts, two formal investigations are currently underway: a Safety Investigation and a Judge Advocate General Manual (JAGMAN) Investigation. Capt. Craig Kleint, the Dock Landing Ship (LSD) Class Squadron commodore has been appointed as the investigating officer (IO) for the JAGMAN investigation. A senior O-6 submarine officer has been named as the senior member of the Safety Instigation Review, but his name is not releasable until the investigation has been completed.

The Safety Investigation Board is appointed to identify hazards and their causal factors in serious incidents. Their report is an essential tool to identify causes to prevent recurrence.

The JAGMAN investigation is intended to provide a critical and objective overview of what happened. Kleint, a nuclear-trained surface warfare officer, is joined by a post-command submarine officer. They are supported by a three-person legal team.

Naval Surface Forces (SURFOR) and Naval Submarine Forces (SUBFOR) are providing extensive support to Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) for the Safety Investigation Board and JAGMAN investigation team.

Both investigations have a 30-day initial timeline, but extensions may be granted if more time is needed to complete the investigation process.

Hartford and New Orleans were on regularly scheduled deployments to the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Operations conducting maritime security operations (MSO) when the accident occurred.

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Zeus propulsion standard on new Sea Ray 43 Sundancer.

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No matter how experienced the boater, from veteran owner to brand-new buyer, they’ll always have the upper hand with the new Sea Ray 43 Sundancer. This is the first Sea Ray to come standard with the revolutionary Zeus propulsion system and intuitive helm joystick, which means that now anyone can dock. All the driver has to do is move the joystick in the direction he or she wants to go, or twist it to turn the boat in its own length. Nothing could be easier.

The 43 Sundancer comes standard with twin Cummins MerCruiser® QSB 425 diesels (425 hp - 313 kW) mated to Zeus drives — individually articulating pods that offer up to 15 percent better fuel economy and 15 percent faster top speeds than regular inboards. Plus, the Zeus-equipped 43 Sundancer provides a more comfortable ride because gear noise and vibration are significantly reduced. Optional power includes twin Cummins MerCruiser QSB 480 diesels (474 hp - 353 kW) with Zeus drives.

Above the waterline, the 43 Sundancer is everything that discriminating boat owners have come to expect from the definitive express cruiser series on the water. It starts with a trademark reverse sheer line, below which are two oversize hull windows and10 portlights. A hardtop integrates seamlessly with the windshield for the ultimate in weather protection and climate control (16,000-BTU helm air conditioning/heating is optional), yet you can still let the sun shine in thanks to two retractable skylights.

The captain will enjoy that sunny warmth from a double-wide helm seat with flip-up bolster and armrests. It slides and adjusts vertically in front of the gel-coated dash with SmartCraft® VesselView Display and MerCruiser digital throttle and shift. To port, guests can lounge on the big L-shaped bench. The seating options continue in the cockpit, which boasts a U-shaped lounge flanking a convenient fiberglass table; a wet bar opposite features a solid-surface countertop, sink and icemaker — or you can opt up to the removable flatscreen TV, stainless-steel barbecue grill and refrigerator.

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Below deck, the 43 Sundancer features a functional (and absolutely gorgeous) split stateroom plan, each with a wood privacy door. The forward master pampers owners in an island-style bed, from which they can watch the flatscreen HDTV with remote DVD player. Cruising couples will be amazed at the storage — under the berth, in gunwale cabinets, in two hanging lockers, in the floor — and they’ll also love the individual head and shower compartments, port and starboard, both with tile flooring.

The mid-stateroom has two twin beds that convert to a queen, so it’s perfect for kids or grown-up guests. Along with a hanging locker, overnighters here will appreciate a private head and shower compartment; the vanity is separate and includes a solid-surface countertop, mirror, sink and storage.

In between the two staterooms, the salon and galley have all the modern indulgences of a refined seaside condominium. There’s optional wood flooring and Ultraleather HP™ seating; a 26-inch flatscreen HDTV with DVD player and stereo with six-disk CD changer; wood blinds and high-gloss cherry interior (either regular or dark). The galley is designed to make life as easy as possible for the onboard chef, sporting designated storage for cutlery, plates, and glasses. Full stainless-steel appliances add more than a touch of luxury.

At its heart, the new 43 Sundancer is a boat that will make owners feel comfortable in any situation, whether it be driving, docking, entertaining, or cruising with friends and family. And since it comes with a free membership in the Sea Ray Owners Club™, which offers great money-saving benefits and endless fun experiences like owners’ rendezvous and dock parties, the newest sport yacht will have ample opportunity to show off its slick handiwork.

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Specifications* for the 43 Sundancer are as follows:
Overall Length w/Extended Swim Platform 47’3” 14.40 m
Beam 14’0” 4.27 m
Draft (Zeus Drives) 42” 107 cm
Dry weight 28,500 lbs 12,928 kg
Fuel capacity 350 gal 1,325 L
Water capacity 100 gal 378 L
Holding tank 42 gal 159 L
Dead rise 19° 19°

*The specification measurements are approximate and are subject to variance.

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