Low-Pollution Engines Reduce Air and Water Pollution

The Problem with Outboard Marine Engines
New Hampshire has hundreds of lakes and ponds and thousands of miles of rivers which provide outdoor enthusiasts with many opportunities to enjoy time on the water. Until recently, most outboard boat engines and personal watercraft (PWCs) were powered by conventional carbureted two-stroke marine engines. The problem with these engines is that they are very inefficient in their use of gasoline and oil. According to some studies, in older carbureted two-stroke engines as much as 30 percent of the fuel passes through the combustion chamber unburned, releasing hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and toxic constituents of gasoline directly into the environment.

Low-Pollution Marine Engines Now Available
Low-pollution marine engines are now available that greatly reduce hydrocarbon and toxic air emissions, and reduce the release of gasoline constituents into waterways. These low-pollution outboards come as four-stroke or direct fuel injection two-stroke engines. Although these low-pollution engines may cost more (about 10 to 20 percent more than the old carbureted two-stroke engines), they provide many economic and environmental benefits, and are consumer friendly.

Benefits of Low-Pollution Marine Engines

• Burn 35 to 50 percent less gasoline, which translates into fuel savings.
• Use up to 50 percent less lubricating oil.
• Reduce air emissions by 75 percent.
• Reduce water pollution by reducing the amount of gasoline released into surface waters.
• Are significantly quieter, and reduce smoke and fumes.
• Provide easier starting, faster acceleration, and quicker throttle response.
• Are less disruptive to wildlife and better for New Hampshire’s environment!

The low-pollution engines are available for sale from many marine dealers and retailers all over New Hampshire. View a list of the marine dealers and retailers that have signed the voluntary agreement. If you are in the market for a new outboard motor or PWC, or are considering a replacement of your existing outboard engine, ask your dealer about a four-stroke or direct fuel injection two-stroke engine

Other Tips for Keeping New Hampshire's Air and Water Clean
In addition to promoting the sale of low-pollution engines, DES and the NHMTA encourage boaters to do the following to protect air and water quality, including:

• Avoid spilling gasoline.
• Pour fuel slowly and smoothly.
• Ensure boat stability when refueling.
• Use a gasoline container you can handle easily and hold securely.
• Use a funnel or a spout with an automatic stop device to prevent overfilling the gas tank.
• Limit engine operation at full throttle.
• Eliminate unnecessary idling.
• Prepare engines properly for winter storage.
• Follow engine manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule.

See also the NHDES March, 2001 STAPPA Conference Presentation on New Hampshire's Clean Marine Initiative.