What will happen to a plastic boat gas tank when you put ethanol in it?

Ethanol is a type of alcohol that is commonly used as a fuel additive. It is made from the fermentation of plant materials, such as corn, sugarcane, or wheat. Ethanol is hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs water from the air. When ethanol is added to a plastic boat gas tank, it can cause the plastic to become brittle and crack. This can lead to leaks, which can be dangerous and expensive to repair.

In addition, ethanol can also dissolve the plastic in the gas tank, which can cause the tank to become weakened and fail. This can also lead to leaks, as well as other problems, such as the engine stalling or losing power.

For these reasons, it is important to avoid putting ethanol in a plastic boat gas tank. If you are not sure whether your boat's gas tank is made of plastic or metal, you should check with the manufacturer.

If you do accidentally put ethanol in a plastic boat gas tank, you should drain the tank and rinse it out with water as soon as possible. You should also avoid using any fuel additives that contain ethanol.