The idea of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) allowing the introduction of a fuel that has never been independently tested for use with marine engines has Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatU.S. and the National Marine Manufacturers Association (www.BoatUS.com/news/reports urging every boater in America to speak out on the issue before the July 20 federal comment period closes.
In March, Growth Energy, a pro-ethanol lobbying organization, and 54 ethanol producers petitioned the EPA to allow an increase in the amount of ethanol in gasoline from 10 percent (E10) to 15 percent (E15). After an initial comment period that drew nearly 30,000 comments from concerned boaters, the marine industry, marina operators and many other boating groups, the agency extended the comment deadline to July 20.
BoatU.S. and the NMMA are concerned because boat engines are not designed, calibrated or certified for use with gasoline containing more than 10 percent ethanol. Recreational boat warranty documents and manufacturers owner's manuals currently advise boaters not to use gasoline containing more than 10 percent ethanol, and therefore, the use of E15 in marine engines could void engine warranties and damage motors and fuel systems.
"This is not about growing renewable energy," says BoatU.S. Vice President of Government Affairs Margaret Podlich. "This is really about a group of investors attempting to profit at the expense of 13 million recreational boat owners. We had significant problems with the nationwide roll-out of E10 a few years ago, and without further independent testing of E15 with marine engines we are very likely to see similar issues." Podlich is referring to the widely known problems with ethanol's ability to attract water into gasoline or "phase separate" which has led to boat engine failures and major repair or replacement costs for boaters. It also degrades fiberglass boat gas tank walls.
If the ethanol lobby's petition is approved it would also affect other gasoline powered products. "There are an estimated 500 million gasoline powered engines in the U.S., from boats and autos to chainsaws, lawn mowers and ATVs, so this issue not only severely impacts the recreational boating industry but many others as well," said NMMA Legislative Director Mathew Dunn. "We have a very simple position on this matter. Science -- not politics -- should ultimately determine EPA's decision on whether to allow the sale of any increased ethanol blend that's more than 10 percent. At present, it is clear there is insufficient scientific and technical data to justify granting the increase, and EPA should therefore deny it outright," he added.
Boaters can go to http://www.BoatUS.com/gov or http://capwiz.com/nmma/home/ before the federally mandated comment period ends on July 20 to learn more and send EPA an email asking them to deny the petition for a waiver for the use of E15 fuel until more testing is done on marine engines and fuel systems.
###
Links to Additional Resources:
1. NMMA Government Affairs Ethanol Information
2. New York Times, May 8, 2009: Ethanol Industry's 15% Solution Raises Concerns
3. New York Times, May 8, 2009: Laboratory Will Not Certify Pumps for Gas with 15% Ethanol
4. Wall Street Journal, April 17, 2009: EPA Considers Higher Ethanol Mix
5. New York Times, March 6, 2009: A Slugfest Over Higher Ethanol Blends
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
From the Finger Lakes
The purpose of this note is to compliment you on your fine publication.
We are a small on-the-water marina/boat dealership with a keen interest in continually being updated on new products and the industry. We also have some local boatbuilding history with the old Penn Yan boatbuilding facility literally in our backyard.
My staff and I are very excited to have exposure to the well-researched, thorough and detailed information in your magazine.
John Flick
Morgan Marine
Penn Yan, New York
We are a small on-the-water marina/boat dealership with a keen interest in continually being updated on new products and the industry. We also have some local boatbuilding history with the old Penn Yan boatbuilding facility literally in our backyard.
My staff and I are very excited to have exposure to the well-researched, thorough and detailed information in your magazine.
John Flick
Morgan Marine
Penn Yan, New York
Monday, June 22, 2009
Help great lakes boating better serve you
Great Lakes Boating is working to keep the magazine available with strong content while attempting to stay healthy. You can help us through our time of adaptation.
Rather than only finding us in print, you can also find us online. Perhaps you get your copy at a local marina or yacht club. But why wait for the issue to be printed and delivered? You can go to our website and read a virtual version of our print magazine. You can also read updated stories each week as we release the stories in a traditional web format, sometimes including extra features with the story.
The transition from print to web can be daunting. It is certainly a challenge for us at the magazine. We are continually thinking of ways we can give you more in this new format. Our aim is to provide you instantly with an even more interactive and even more useful experience with our magazine. We want to make sure you continue to get what you’ve come to love: the writing style and subject matter. We do want to enrich your experience in ways the print cannot: links between related stories, searchability and instantaneous availability. Also, the digital format will allow us to bring you more photographs and more of the stories you like best.
In adapting with us, you’ll prove how strong Great Lakes boaters’ environmental stewardship is. We’ll be using fewer trees by not printing the magazine, and we’ll be saving other natural resources that would be used in the production and shipping of our magazine. All this at no cost to you.
What we’re asking for right now, is for you to register with your email to gain access to the virtual magazine. You’ll find it is just as wonderful. And we promise you more changes to improve your Great Lakes Boating experience.
greatlakesboating.com/register
Rather than only finding us in print, you can also find us online. Perhaps you get your copy at a local marina or yacht club. But why wait for the issue to be printed and delivered? You can go to our website and read a virtual version of our print magazine. You can also read updated stories each week as we release the stories in a traditional web format, sometimes including extra features with the story.
The transition from print to web can be daunting. It is certainly a challenge for us at the magazine. We are continually thinking of ways we can give you more in this new format. Our aim is to provide you instantly with an even more interactive and even more useful experience with our magazine. We want to make sure you continue to get what you’ve come to love: the writing style and subject matter. We do want to enrich your experience in ways the print cannot: links between related stories, searchability and instantaneous availability. Also, the digital format will allow us to bring you more photographs and more of the stories you like best.
In adapting with us, you’ll prove how strong Great Lakes boaters’ environmental stewardship is. We’ll be using fewer trees by not printing the magazine, and we’ll be saving other natural resources that would be used in the production and shipping of our magazine. All this at no cost to you.
What we’re asking for right now, is for you to register with your email to gain access to the virtual magazine. You’ll find it is just as wonderful. And we promise you more changes to improve your Great Lakes Boating experience.
greatlakesboating.com/register
Thursday, June 11, 2009
A Road Flotilla – Try It!
Guest editorial by Van W. Snider, Jr., CAE
President, Michigan Boating Industries Association
In my previous position I managed the Marine Industries Association of South Florida in Fort Lauderdale. I had the opportunity to work with the Bahamas Tourism Office on what was called “Bahamas Boating Flings.”
Boating Flings are the Bahamian equivalent of a road trip, but instead of cars, folks use boats. A lead boat and captain leads the way for a flotilla of pleasure craft on a journey from Florida across the Gulf Stream to beautiful Bahamian islands. After the simple crossing, everyone can relax on white powder beaches or enjoy an itinerary filled with exciting activities and still have enough time to snorkel, scuba dive and fish. Flings start on Wednesday and end on Sunday during the summer from June through August.
The Association provided the lead boat with captain and also coordinated the voyage across the Gulf Stream, while the Bahamas Tourism Office coordinated activities in port and on the island. Someone, of course, had to make the trip representing the Association so, only out of the goodness of my heart, I volunteered and sacrificed the time. And yes, I tried not to miss one.
Let me be candid. The Association got involved because we knew many boaters had no experience cruising to the Bahamas and by getting them to experience a boating fling, they would want to do it again. Hopefully, this would convince them to purchase a larger boat to take advantage of the cruising opportunities available in the region.
So why do I want to tell the Bahamas Boating Fling story? I am convinced a large number of boaters are not experiencing the variety of boating opportunities available to them.
With the start of the boating season, I suggest boaters plan their boating season with the intent of experiencing other boating destinations and experiences. Marinas, boat dealers, boat manufacturers, boat clubs and yacht clubs often schedule rendezvous to difference marinas or ports of call. Many manufacturers work together with their dealer representatives and plan wonderful cruises to fun destinations. Make a few calls or check out the web for potential boat trips to take advantage of these opportunities.
I have always wondered why rendezvous are directed to only larger boats that have accommodations for living aboard. Why don’t dealers, who represent trailerable boat lines, also offer destination trips for a group of trailerable boat owners (their customers) and do a road flotilla to a far away and new boating destination?
Another option is to get eight or 10 boat owners together, plan a road trip trailering their boats to a specific location for a two- or three-day boat outing, and meet at one central location to start the trip together on the highway. Coordinate motel or hotel reservations at your destination and parking for boats with boat trailers. Each day everyone launches for a full day of boating activities in that location, experiencing a new location and fun things to do. It may be possible to arrange for dockage at a harbor or commercial marina in the area so each of you don’t have to launch and retrieve every day. Your road flotilla might consist of personal watercraft and jet boat owners, ski boat owners, fishermen and women, day-sailors, run-abouts, or a mix. In Michigan you’ll have a hard time deciding on a destination because Michigan has so many to choose from.
When you hear rendezvous or flotilla cruise, you’re not excluded just because you don’t have a 42-footer. Pick your boating destination and coordinate with friends for a road flotilla to a new boating experience.
Try it; I think you’ll enjoy visiting other fresh-water Michigan boating opportunities and creating fond memories.
President, Michigan Boating Industries Association
In my previous position I managed the Marine Industries Association of South Florida in Fort Lauderdale. I had the opportunity to work with the Bahamas Tourism Office on what was called “Bahamas Boating Flings.”
Boating Flings are the Bahamian equivalent of a road trip, but instead of cars, folks use boats. A lead boat and captain leads the way for a flotilla of pleasure craft on a journey from Florida across the Gulf Stream to beautiful Bahamian islands. After the simple crossing, everyone can relax on white powder beaches or enjoy an itinerary filled with exciting activities and still have enough time to snorkel, scuba dive and fish. Flings start on Wednesday and end on Sunday during the summer from June through August.
The Association provided the lead boat with captain and also coordinated the voyage across the Gulf Stream, while the Bahamas Tourism Office coordinated activities in port and on the island. Someone, of course, had to make the trip representing the Association so, only out of the goodness of my heart, I volunteered and sacrificed the time. And yes, I tried not to miss one.
Let me be candid. The Association got involved because we knew many boaters had no experience cruising to the Bahamas and by getting them to experience a boating fling, they would want to do it again. Hopefully, this would convince them to purchase a larger boat to take advantage of the cruising opportunities available in the region.
So why do I want to tell the Bahamas Boating Fling story? I am convinced a large number of boaters are not experiencing the variety of boating opportunities available to them.
With the start of the boating season, I suggest boaters plan their boating season with the intent of experiencing other boating destinations and experiences. Marinas, boat dealers, boat manufacturers, boat clubs and yacht clubs often schedule rendezvous to difference marinas or ports of call. Many manufacturers work together with their dealer representatives and plan wonderful cruises to fun destinations. Make a few calls or check out the web for potential boat trips to take advantage of these opportunities.
I have always wondered why rendezvous are directed to only larger boats that have accommodations for living aboard. Why don’t dealers, who represent trailerable boat lines, also offer destination trips for a group of trailerable boat owners (their customers) and do a road flotilla to a far away and new boating destination?
Another option is to get eight or 10 boat owners together, plan a road trip trailering their boats to a specific location for a two- or three-day boat outing, and meet at one central location to start the trip together on the highway. Coordinate motel or hotel reservations at your destination and parking for boats with boat trailers. Each day everyone launches for a full day of boating activities in that location, experiencing a new location and fun things to do. It may be possible to arrange for dockage at a harbor or commercial marina in the area so each of you don’t have to launch and retrieve every day. Your road flotilla might consist of personal watercraft and jet boat owners, ski boat owners, fishermen and women, day-sailors, run-abouts, or a mix. In Michigan you’ll have a hard time deciding on a destination because Michigan has so many to choose from.
When you hear rendezvous or flotilla cruise, you’re not excluded just because you don’t have a 42-footer. Pick your boating destination and coordinate with friends for a road flotilla to a new boating experience.
Try it; I think you’ll enjoy visiting other fresh-water Michigan boating opportunities and creating fond memories.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
SOS from U.S. Brig Niagara
The Flagship Niagara's sailing program is in danger of being shut down. The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) is considering cutting funding for the ship's sailing program, which is guaranteed to diminish the ship’s volunteer program. Niagara volunteers donate more than $100,000 worth of volunteer maintenance services to the ship each year.
If the ship stops sailing, the volunteers will stop volunteering. The ship has represented Pennsylvania and Erie and retold its famous history to more than 650,000 people since 1992. Her sailing program has grown at a rate of 25 percent per year since the ship became a Sailing School Vessel in 2005. The program is now almost completely self-sufficient. If the PHMC will agree to maintain the ship, the Flagship Niagara League (FNL), which is the 501 c3 non-profit organization that is chartered to support the ship, can maintain the sailing program through earned income alone. This drive for support will ensure that the earned income is supported by local contributions that will guarantee the survival of the ship.
The goal is to raise $200,000 by September 14 of 2009.
An individual membership for the Flagship Niagara League is only $25. Visit brigniagara.org to join and petitiononline.com/10Sep13/petition.html to sign a petition that will be sent to the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.
The Commission has agreed to allow the ship to keep sailing if the FNL can generate more support for the ship and the ship’s sailing program.
Visit causes.com/FlagshipNiagara for updates.
Claudia Bankert
Chagrin Fall, Ohio
If the ship stops sailing, the volunteers will stop volunteering. The ship has represented Pennsylvania and Erie and retold its famous history to more than 650,000 people since 1992. Her sailing program has grown at a rate of 25 percent per year since the ship became a Sailing School Vessel in 2005. The program is now almost completely self-sufficient. If the PHMC will agree to maintain the ship, the Flagship Niagara League (FNL), which is the 501 c3 non-profit organization that is chartered to support the ship, can maintain the sailing program through earned income alone. This drive for support will ensure that the earned income is supported by local contributions that will guarantee the survival of the ship.
The goal is to raise $200,000 by September 14 of 2009.
An individual membership for the Flagship Niagara League is only $25. Visit brigniagara.org to join and petitiononline.com/10Sep13/petition.html to sign a petition that will be sent to the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.
The Commission has agreed to allow the ship to keep sailing if the FNL can generate more support for the ship and the ship’s sailing program.
Visit causes.com/FlagshipNiagara for updates.
Claudia Bankert
Chagrin Fall, Ohio
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