Fuel Stabilizers

wendyg · 06-07-2010, 07:50 AM

As we are new to boating, I'm somewhat confused over the info I've seen regarding Ethanol fuel and fuel stabilizers. The salesman we dealt with didn't mention anything to us regarding this. My dad, a boater of 40+ years says it is necessary if there is ethanol in the gasoline and cautioned us against buying a boat with fiberglass fuel tank. The tank isn't an issue. The engine on the boat is a Mercury 496 mag 375 hp. The salesman equates it to a "car" engine...but the engine is in a boat not a car, and the gas will sit in the tank longer than gas sits in the car tank. My dad also recommended a fuel filter/water seperator, RACOR, and again, the salesman didn't talk about this either. So...bring on your opinions and advice!

Many thanks from the "Newbie."

06-07-2010, 07:50 AM	#1
wendyg Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 32 Thanks: 7 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Fuel Stabilizers As we are new to boating, I'm somewhat confused over the info I've seen regarding Ethanol fuel and fuel stabilizers. The salesman we dealt with didn't mention anything to us regarding this. My dad, a boater of 40+ years says it is necessary if there is ethanol in the gasoline and cautioned us against buying a boat with fiberglass fuel tank. The tank isn't an issue. The engine on the boat is a Mercury 496 mag 375 hp. The salesman equates it to a "car" engine...but the engine is in a boat not a car, and the gas will sit in the tank longer than gas sits in the car tank. My dad also recommended a fuel filter/water seperator, RACOR, and again, the salesman didn't talk about this either. So...bring on your opinions and advice! Many thanks from the "Newbie."