Boat engine problems could come from ethanol

Have you noticed a change in your boat's engine performance?

Early warning signs of fuel problems can include rough idle, poor starting, heavy exhaust smoke, dead throttle or hesitation and higher-than-normal fuel consumption. Fuel filters only go so far to correct the problem. There's a chance your problems are explained by bad fuel, which causes premature failure and water contamination. In fact, nearly 80 percent of motor problems can be traced to fuel conditions.

The culprit may be ethanol, which requires a change in handling and storage to remain stable and motor-friendly. Ethanol has an extremely high detergent action, which is both good and bad. While it may help keep your fuel system cleaner, on the negative side, it loosens impurities and forms contaminants. Plus, it can eat away at fuel hoses and polyester and fiberglass fuel tanks, clog filters and move foreign objects through injectors and carburetors.

If the ethanol mixture or blend is over 10 percent, you would be wise to take precautions.

Be aware of any change in performance that could indicate trouble. If you have experienced changes, talk to your mechanic and upgrade your fuel system before bigger problems arise. Ask your dealer about ethanol-friendly hoses, larger filters and fuel supply systems. Fuel costs are high enough without adding to the problem.

BEAUFORT TOURNAMENT POSTPONED AGAIN

The Beaufort Sportdiving and Fishing Club's Family Tournament has been postponed for the second time in two weeks, this time because of Hanna. The tournament will be rescheduled again once the weather has settled.

In the meantime, the club's regular monthly meeting will be held as scheduled, Thursday at the Beaufort Yacht and Sailing Club off Meridian Road on Lady's Island. The regular meeting starts at 7 p.m. with lies and fish tales at 6:30 p.m. Danny Rourk of Tail Wind Charters will share his expertise on trout and bass, tides, temperatures and techniques. Learn the proper equipment to add pleasure instead of frustration to your sport. Rourk will display an assortment of rods, reels and lures to get the job done right. Call Tom Ogle at 521-4672 for details.

HHISFC TO MEET TUESDAY

Renowned guide and radio personality Fuzzy Davis will be the guest speaker at the Hilton Head Island Sport Fishing Club's next meeting, set for 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Yacht Club of Hilton Head Palmetto Bay Marina. Davis is an expert on fishing flats and other "skinny" water. His methods and techniques for taking spottail bass are often imitated but seldom mastered. Attend the program for insider tips that will improve your odds for redfish. Also, well-known captain and marine biologist Glenn Ulrich will give an update on the adult red drum study. Call 785-4106 for details.

CAPT. WOODY'S TOURNAMENT ON TAP

The 9th annual Captain Woody's Kingfish Tournament is set for Saturday, Sept. 13, with a captains meeting set for Friday. The entry fee is $225. Call 785-2400 or 298-1856 for more details.

KAYAK EVENT TO BENEFIT DIABETES ASSOCIATION

The first Hugh H. Armstrong Kayak for a Kure event to benefit the American Diabetes Association will start at 9 a.m. Sept. 13 at Butterbean Beach on the Diamond Causeway in Georgia, just before Skidaway Island. The event is for both beginners and experienced paddlers and will take about 11/2 hours. Participants should bring their own kayak and safety equipment for the course run.

There will be drawings for prizes valued at $1,000, courtesy of Bass Pro Shops. Health and vendor booths will be on site, as well as classes for new enthusiasts to the sport of kayaking. Beginner classes will be from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and again from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the UGA Marine Extension Center. World-class instructors David Mason and Steve Braden will conduct the classes.

The cost for the event is $75 per person. Proceeds benefit the 2008 Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes, Walk on the Wild Side fundraiser. For information, contact Suzanne Willis at 912-353-8110, extension 3093.

SHELLFISH SEASON

TO OPEN SEPT. 16

The 2008 oyster and clam season will open Sept. 16 and remain open through May 15, 2009. Both recreational and commercial harvesters may comb through the muck and the pluff from one-half hour before official sunrise until one-half hour after official sundown. Harvest area maps are available by writing the Marine Resources Division at P.O. Box 12559, Charleston, SC 29422.