Gulf MARINE fuel with isobutanol meets new biofuel recommendations from National Marine Manufacturers Association
28 July 2015
Gulf Racing Fuels announced that its Gulf MARINE biofuel with isobutanol (earlier post) is one of the first fuels on the market to comply with the recent biofuel recommendations issued last week by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC). (Earlier post.)
Gulf MARINE fuel is made with Gevo-supplied isobutanol at a 12.5% ratio to gasoline. Gulf offers two octane choices: 93 and 100. Gulf also offers a 16.1% blend for racing applications only.
Primary benefits of isobutanol-blended gasoline include improved moisture and water resistance, higher energy content, and preventing phase separation in the fuel system and reducing engine corrosion.
The new recommendations come after five years of extensive marine industry testing of fuel containing isobutanol. Those testing the fuel included the US Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy; Argonne National Laboratory; Volvo-Penta; Bombardier Recreational Products; Evinrude; Yamaha; Mercury Marine; Honda; Tohatsu; Indmar; and the US Coast Guard.
The testing was undertaken to confirm that recreational boaters could power their engines with gasoline blends that contain isobutanol as a replacement for ethanol, and experience fewer problems and better performance while still meeting government-mandated Renewable Fuel Standards.
Isobutanol is a registered fuel additive with blends of up to 12.5% allowed for on-road gasoline. Gulf MARINE fuel is available at participating Gulf retailers and marinas in factory-sealed packages of 5 gallons and 55 gallons.
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