BRP-Evinrude showcases biobutanol during test rides at Miami International Boat Show

STURTEVANT, Wis. – Through its Evinrude brand, BRP will be showcasing the alternative fuel biobutanol, a second-generation biofuel, during test rides at the Miami International Boat Show.

BRP’s Evinrude engineers have been collaborating for four years with the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and several engine and boat manufacturers in the testing of advanced alternative fuels for use in recreational marine engines and boats.

Supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and Argonne National Laboratory, Evinrude has been integral to the four year comprehensive testing program which includes the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) and other boat and engine manufacturers across the industry.

“Boaters have the opportunity to test how the fuel works first hand here at the show, and that’s definitely part of the equation in creating interest and demand for this next-generation biofuel,” said Jeff Wasil, engineering manager in emissions testing, certification and regulatory development for BRP-Evinrude. “We’ve been collaborating across the industry for several years and have published multiple papers on our findings. The data, paired with the experience, will definitely help us move the fuel conversation forward.”

Testing included measurements of gaseous and particulate engine exhaust emissions, combustion analysis, cold start, runability, durability and more. The team tested several engine technologies from engine and boat manufacturers including 4-stroke carbureted and fuel-injected outboard engines, conventional 2-stroke carbureted outboard engines, stern drive engines and E-TEC direct fuel injection outboard engines.

Ongoing research in the industry has been exploring cost-effective fuel alternatives. Other higher ethanol blends such as E15 have caused complications in recreational marine engines, including fuel phase separation, fuel system compatibility issues and engine failures. These issues have driven the marine industry to explore alternative biofuel solutions like biobutanol.

The results of the study suggest that biobutanol blends up to 16.1 percent can be used in marine engines and boats without deterioration of engine or boat performance.  The researchers found no engine durability or exhaust emission failures throughout the test program.

Although the availability of biobutanol fuels at marinas and boat fueling stations is expected to take time, sharing marine industry research on biobutanol fuels is essential to creating a market and an adoption of this fuel.

The Evinrude team will be offering media and consumers test rides on a 25 Bay Boat by Crevalle Boats powered by an Evinrude E-TEC G2 300HP engine, in slip number 207 at the Miami Convention Center marina. Boaters are welcome to discuss the fuel’s efficiency and viability while experiencing the engine’s performance.

All Evinrude engines continue to be approved for up to 10 percent ethanol (E10) fuels.

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One Comment

  1. Good to hear this, finally boat owners may start using bio fuels.
    Hope gas with 16 % butanol is used in boats while E15 ethanol is used in road vehicles.

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