Letters to the Editor

1. Brazilian Suggests Natural Gas

   Dear American Boaters, From a Brazilian Boater:

   You guys have a long way to go. Here in Brazil we have learned for more than 20 years the massive corrosive effects of Ethanol. However, once you get the hang of it you all will love this kind of fuel. What I have done is converted my boat to run on natural gas, it’s about 66% cheaper than gasoline and Ethanol put together. Conversion kits cost about $1000 USD and boy the savings are well worth the expense.
   -J. Kruger
   
   
   

2. Stop Saying Europe is Used to It!

   I am tired of hearing how we are now just paying what Europe has been paying for gas all these years. Europe has been mismanaged for centuries and it is a place where only the rich travel on their timetables and whims. The rest of Europe must mass commute on governmental time tables. The price of gas is only high because we have limited supply which is self-imposed by our lack of refineries and desire to drill. The latest bill to reduce carbon emissions by 60 percent in this country would slam shut the door on most boating except for the very wealthy. Pretty soon the government will be banning boating except for big party boats and you will be fishing when they get ready. There is enough oil for the next 300 years should we tap it and in that time someone may come up with alternatives that work and are reliable. Please refrain from indicating we should be ok with these price because of Europe unless you can show me that there is a mad rush to move there because its so great.....gimmie a break.
   -P. Becker
   
   
   

   Europe’s fuel has been three to four times more than that in the U.S. because European countries taxed it so heavily. Becker, we, too, hope that fuel prices fall and when the dollar strengthens against the Euro it should. But remember, China and India are not going back to the rickshaw and bicycle.—Ed.
   
   
   

3. Likes Fiberglass Bottom Shapes

   I appreciate the fact that someone has taken the time to do a comparison between aluminum and fiberglass, but there was one very important issue that was overlooked. Fiberglass has the ability to be molded to any shape necessary which allows for much better hull technology. Aluminum boats typically have a much flatter deadrise and consequently have a much rougher ride. Unless a consumer is using the boat on a small lake or river, they will be limited to a fewer number of days that can be enjoyed on the water in an aluminum boat. That will greatly increase the fuel economy, but at what cost?
   -C. Sonnet
   
   
   

4. Ethanol Blues

   Similar Story Gents… I live in Virginia Beach and had to have 2 lawn mowers and 1 2-stroke outboard carburetor rebuilt because of the 10% ethanol added to our gas. And the bad thing is that the ethanol actually reduces your fuel efficiency. Luckily I found a fuel treatment called StarTron which helps break down the trash left from the ethanol and enables the engines to burn it out.
   -R. Lindsey
   
   
   

5. That’s Not What Farmers Say

   Ethanol should not have been put on the market before more research had been done. Remember MTBE?
   -R. Richelderfer
   
   
   

6. Fueling Down Under

   We had a couple of deaths in Melbourne about three weeks ago. An old boat had just re-fueled. Have not heard of a cause yet, but ….
   -Chris
   
   
   

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