Clean Marine Engines

Marine Engine Pollution and the Benefits of Low-Pollution Engines

• The Problem of Marine Engine Pollution
  Learn about the adverse environmental impacts of traditional marine engines.
• New Emissions Standards for Marine Engines
  New regulations developed by EPA and marine engine manufacturers will help reduce air and water pollution.
• Benefits of Low-Pollution Marine Engines
  Cleaner marine engines have advantages for both the consumer and the environment.

The Problem of Marine Engine Pollution

New England has thousands of ponds and lakes as well as thousands of miles of river and coastal waters. These water bodies provide outdoor enthusiasts with many opportunities to enjoy boating and other recreational activities on the water.

Until recently, conventional, carbureted, two-stroke marine engines powered most recreational boats and personal watercraft (PWC). These traditional marine engines waste a significant amount of gasoline and oil, and as a result, have adverse impacts on the environment. In these conventional marine engines, up to 30% of the fuel passes through the combustion chamber unburned or partially unburned and thereby is released directly into the water and air as pollution.

• In the water, unburned gasoline raises concentrations of benzene, methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE) and other toxic substances.
• In the air, unburned gasoline results in hydrocarbon emissions, which contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone or smog. Smog can irritate the respiratory system causing chest pain and lung inflammation. Smog can also aggravate existing respiratory conditions such as asthma.

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New Emission Standards for Marine Engines

With the cooperation of marine engine manufacturers, U.S. EPA has issued regulations designed to significantly reduce the amount of pollutants released from outboard and personal watercraft marine engines. From 1998 to 2006, the corporate average exhaust emission standards for outboard and PWC marine engine manufacturers will become increasingly more stringent. Controlling these exhaust emissions will result in an unprecedented 75% reduction in hydrocarbon emissions from these engines by the year 2025. To reach the yearly emissions reductions required by the regulations, it is anticipated that marine engine manufacturers will build increasing numbers of lower emission engines each year.

Regulatory Announcement: Emission Standards for New Gasoline Marine Engines (EPA HQ)
For information on regulations that will promote a new generation of marine engines featuring cleaner technology and providing better engine performance to boat owners

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Low-Pollution Marine Engines Are Available

The good news is that cleaner, low-pollution outboard and PWC marine engines (such as four-stroke or direct fuel injection two-stroke engines) are now available from New England marine engine dealers. These engines are more fuel efficient, easier to maintain, and are better for the environment. Although these low-pollution marine engines may cost more (about 15% more than traditional ones), they provide substantial benefits for your boating enjoyment and the environment and save you money in the long run.

Benefits of Low-Pollution Marine Engines

• Burn 35% to 50% less gasoline.
• Use up to 50% less oil.
• Start easier.
• Are quieter.
• Reduce smoke and fumes.
• Accelerate faster
• Have a more precise throttle response.
• Reduce hydrocarbon emissions into the air by 75%.
• Reduce the amount of gasoline released into surface waters.
• Are better for New England's environment!