What's best?
- Thread starter Gregory S
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sublimetime
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Use the boat, dont let fuel sit.
I am really on the fence about using anything, some years I did, most I did not, no difference whats so ever. Full tank on storage, half or less? again, did both, still no difference or problems. Now my experience as noted was with fuel injected 2004 Crusader motors, also, these motors never saw anything but ethanol fuel. I mention this because older boats may be different. Last year, I posted about adding stuff to my diesel powered boat, I forgot to do that and was worried I screwed up. Everyone here told me not to worry. Bottom line is there was no problems. I did add some stuff this year, just thinking it is a feel good thing to do and does not matter. 
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algae-x was added.
I asked mechanic. He said its like fire insurance. You buy it every year and house never burns down, so why have it. Enuf said!
I asked mechanic. He said its like fire insurance. You buy it every year and house never burns down, so why have it. Enuf said!
Individuals wont be able to compare results.
I did find some information by web searching
http://www.fuel-testers.com/review_gas_treatment_products.html
IMO the first thing would be to run all the ethanol stuff out then add non ethanol gas.
I did find some information by web searching
http://www.fuel-testers.com/review_gas_treatment_products.html
IMO the first thing would be to run all the ethanol stuff out then add non ethanol gas.
That's not really an answer is it? Some folks have to store their boats out of the water for the winter months. Using the boat is not an option.
To answer the original question, it's pretty much a crapshoot. I am a bit partial to Startron and use it whenever I add fuel. I did this when I had a gasoline powered boat and I use it with my diesel powered boat as well.
Keeping the fuel tank(s) full lessens water from condensation. Most experts recommend keeping the fuel tank(s) full when possible.
I have used both and have had good luck with both. To the best of my knowledge, the marine and the red are the same. The red treats x gallons. The same quantity marine treats 2x gallons for a price w/in pennies of the price of the red. To me it's economics.
That's what got me thinking about this David. Blue, marine Stabil treats twice as much fuel for the money. Not sure what's different. I ended up adding 4 large bottles of red. Seemes like I could have used less and saved money with blue Stabil or Startron.
When blue Marine Sta-Bil 1st appeared many years ago I called the company to see what the difference was between that and the standard red. They said the blue was good for everyday use as it contains some stabilizer plus other additives like cleaners & water absorbers (alcohol??) to deal with water and other potential issues. But for storage they still recommended the red Sta-Bil as it contains 2x as much stabilizer for longer-term stability. So economics for stabilization actually favors the red.
Note, whereas the original red says "Stabilizer" on the main label, the blue Marine version does not, just "Treatment."
That said, since I use Valv-tect fuel regularly for stabilized fuel right out of the pump, before last engine running prior to winter storage I add extra Valv-tect9 (~~1/2 of what is recommended for long term storage of completely un-stabilized gas) and fill with 89 octane rather than normal 87. I figure it's best to keep from mixing additives more than necessary and stabilizer for the gasohol is all I'm interested in . And the additives aren't gas (though Startron claims to have a gasoline base), so adding more than whatever we perceive as really needed to be safe just dilutes the gas.
Note, whereas the original red says "Stabilizer" on the main label, the blue Marine version does not, just "Treatment."
That said, since I use Valv-tect fuel regularly for stabilized fuel right out of the pump, before last engine running prior to winter storage I add extra Valv-tect9 (~~1/2 of what is recommended for long term storage of completely un-stabilized gas) and fill with 89 octane rather than normal 87. I figure it's best to keep from mixing additives more than necessary and stabilizer for the gasohol is all I'm interested in . And the additives aren't gas (though Startron claims to have a gasoline base), so adding more than whatever we perceive as really needed to be safe just dilutes the gas.
FWIW, Varnish-formation aside, keep in mind fuel-injected gasoline engines can cope with poorly-stabilized octane-degraded fuel(particularly gasohol) after storage much better than carbed engines , by automatically retarding timing to stop damaging knock/pre-detonation (which may not be heard by the vessel operator.) Performance may suffer, but the engine is much more likely to remain unscathed.
STA BIL RED
STA-BIL® Fuel Stabilizer is America’s top selling fuel stabilizer. Stored fuel can go bad in as little as 30-60 days causing gum, varnish and corrosion to build up in the fuel lines and engine. STA-BIL® Fuel Stabilizer keeps fuel fresh for up to 12 months during storage, eliminating the need to drain fuel. Ensures quick, easy starts after storage. Effective in all gasoline, including Ethanol blends.
STA BIL BLUE
Marine Formula STA-BIL® Ethanol Fuel Treatment & Stabilizer was specifically designed to prevent Ethanol fuel related damage in marine engines. Protects against corrosion caused by today’s Ethanol blended fuels, while also cleaning the fuel system for improved performance YEAR-ROUND. Also helps remove water and stabilizes fuel. For use AT EVERY FILL UP in all gasoline powered vehicles and equipment used in high moisture environments.
STA-BIL® Fuel Stabilizer is America’s top selling fuel stabilizer. Stored fuel can go bad in as little as 30-60 days causing gum, varnish and corrosion to build up in the fuel lines and engine. STA-BIL® Fuel Stabilizer keeps fuel fresh for up to 12 months during storage, eliminating the need to drain fuel. Ensures quick, easy starts after storage. Effective in all gasoline, including Ethanol blends.
STA BIL BLUE
Marine Formula STA-BIL® Ethanol Fuel Treatment & Stabilizer was specifically designed to prevent Ethanol fuel related damage in marine engines. Protects against corrosion caused by today’s Ethanol blended fuels, while also cleaning the fuel system for improved performance YEAR-ROUND. Also helps remove water and stabilizes fuel. For use AT EVERY FILL UP in all gasoline powered vehicles and equipment used in high moisture environments.
Salvatore356
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I stay with the same brand of fuel treatment all the time when you mix them you have problems. Before I put my boat up for the winter I try to burn off all my fuel as I can. Then I fill it up with fresh fuel with fuel treatment. The problem is what does the marina do with there fuel if they fill there tanks up before winter it is in there tanks without treatment. If they leave there 5,000 gallons tanks half or empty it will be bad by spring. At least I know I have fresh fuel in my tanks that is treated when I put my boat back in the water it will be about a month before I need fuel. I try to burn off as much as I can before filling up again. By that time the marina should be getting fresh fuel, all I know is E 10 fuel sucks hope they never go to E 15.
From The New York Times:
For First Time, E.P.A. Proposes Reducing Ethanol Requirement for Gas Mix
The proposal marks the first time the Environmental Protection Agency has taken steps to slow down the drive to replace fossil fuels with renewable forms of energy.
http://nyti.ms/1btrKQb
For First Time, E.P.A. Proposes Reducing Ethanol Requirement for Gas Mix
The proposal marks the first time the Environmental Protection Agency has taken steps to slow down the drive to replace fossil fuels with renewable forms of energy.
http://nyti.ms/1btrKQb