Fuel specifically formulated without ethanol is a gasoline type available for marine engines. This fuel avoids the inclusion of ethanol, a biofuel additive commonly blended with gasoline. For example, a user might choose this specialized fuel for a vintage boat engine, where ethanol could cause degradation of rubber and plastic components.
Its importance stems from its ability to mitigate potential issues associated with ethanol-blended fuels in boat engines. Benefits include reduced risk of phase separation (where ethanol separates from gasoline), decreased corrosion of fuel system components, and prevention of water absorption by the fuel. Historically, the absence of ethanol in gasoline was the standard; the introduction of ethanol blends as a fuel oxygenate and renewable energy source prompted the need for ethanol-free alternatives, particularly for sensitive applications like marine engines.