Panel tells Congress that ethanol is best for boats

Racing engines for watercraft run at their best on a high-octane ethanol blend.
Racing engines for watercraft run at their best on a high-octane ethanol blend. | File photo

Congress recently heard from certified mechanics, engine performance experts and professional fishermen who appeared on Capitol Hill to say ethanol is best for boats when it comes to protecting the environment, preserving America’s energy security and providing a high-octane boost to engines.

“I want to take my grandkids fishing someday. That means having clean water and clean air. Mixing ethanol into our fuel is the best way to reduce the pollutants that fossil fuels leave behind, so our lakes and rivers stay clean and marine life can flourish,” Brian Sowers, co-host of Crappie Masters TV, said.

The partnership between the Crappie Masters tournament and the Missouri Corn Merchandising Council was created to educate boaters and consumers on the benefits of ethanol production on boat motors and the effect on the economy.

“We work on a wide variety of racing engines for watercraft, and they run at their absolute best on a high-octane ethanol blend,” Keith Holmes, owner of CK Motorsports in Michigan, said. “Ethanol burns cleaner and cooler. Since the introduction of E10, we find that many engine parts have a 25 to 50 percent longer lifespan. The National Boat Racing Association exclusively uses E10 for all their races.”