www.iFourWinns.com

OK gang, question of the day.....
My Dad and I are at odds as to the best (most correct) Sta-Bil to use, so I'm going to ask the community...

Blue or Red?

Both engines are gasoline. He has a 2000 Chaparral 240 Signature and of couse mine is below: 2003 248 Vista...

Thoughts?

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-Tony
2016 Robalo R200 w/Yahama 200!

Previous boats:
2003 Four Winns 248 Vista - sold
1994 Sunbird Corsair 200 - sold
1980 Checkmate Predictor - sold

I use the blue because it supposedly helps with the Ethanol issues. Here in the D/FW (Texas) area, our fuel contains 10% Ethanol.

They both extend / stabilize the life of the fuel according to the customer support guy at Gold Eagle.

Craig C.

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2003 Vista 248, VP 5.0 GXi-C, DP

Oh ... and I change the fuel filter every year OR 2 fill-ups. Whichever comes first.

Craig C.

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2003 Vista 248, VP 5.0 GXi-C, DP

I use the blue also for reasons stated above.

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2001 328 Vista

Previous Boats:
2004 Sea Ray 220 Select

My boat tanks are full right now. I do not have any additive in there myself as my current marina has an additive called ValvTect in it already.

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Current Boat:
2004 Sea Ray 320 Sundancer "Nauti Luvin'"

Previous Boats:
1999 298 Vista "Seas The Day"
2008 H200SS "Nauti Luv"
2006 Tahoe Q4

Does using Valv-Tech fuel preclude the use of Sta-Bill or other treatment for Ethanol?? I'm in CT. and we have 10% Ethanol here too.....
My boat tech says he sees alot of problems w/ Ethanol and has reccommended using Sta Bill.......I'll try some this year...

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"For My 50th"
1996 238 Vista
5.7VolvoGL DP
Previous boats; 91 Cobia 19' Cuddy, 87 Starcraft 16' BR,
67 Winner BR, 65 Arrow 14'

Thanks for all the comments. I use the Blue and he uses the Red. Not only do I use Sta-Bil, I add an enzyme to help extend the life of the fuel in the tank. I'd rather spend an extra $10 a tank full than big bucks in repairs later. I also change fuel filters annually.

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-Tony
2016 Robalo R200 w/Yahama 200!

Previous boats:
2003 Four Winns 248 Vista - sold
1994 Sunbird Corsair 200 - sold
1980 Checkmate Predictor - sold

I have used red in the past but went with blue this year because I was able to dump the full bottle in my tank.

I don't use anything for enthanol but I fill up on land at a fairly busy station.

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2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

I have been told by my marina that the Valv-Tect or however its spelled eliminates the need for additional fuel additives. I guess I owe it to myself to research a little deeper.

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Current Boat:
2004 Sea Ray 320 Sundancer "Nauti Luvin'"

Previous Boats:
1999 298 Vista "Seas The Day"
2008 H200SS "Nauti Luv"
2006 Tahoe Q4

Here is some info from their page"

Your boat's marine gasoline engine is forced to operate at higher RPMs and loads than your car or truck engine and can consume up to 10 times more fuel per hour of operation. It is also more susceptible to phase separation, corrosion and fuel stability problems caused by ethanol blended gasoline.


ValvTect Marine Gasoline is "specially formulated" for marine engines and is designed to prevent the problems of ethanol gasoline, such as phase separation, moisture, poor stability and the formation of power-robbing carbon deposits.

ValvTect Marine Gasoline is "specially formulated" for your marine gasoline engine. It requires no additional fuel additives to protect your engine, eliminating any risk of improper additive use and saves time and money.


See: http://www.valvtect.com/marineFuelGasoline.asp

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Current Boat:
2004 Sea Ray 320 Sundancer "Nauti Luvin'"

Previous Boats:
1999 298 Vista "Seas The Day"
2008 H200SS "Nauti Luv"
2006 Tahoe Q4

Thanks for the link. The marina that I just moved to in January has ValvTect and I have started using their fuel. I had no idea I could stop using Sta-Bil now. I guess that will take a bit of the sting off the next fill up.

For the record, I have used Sta-Bil red for years and recently started using the marine formula. Both have worked well for me.

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Martin
04 268 Vista - Knot Again
08 Boston Whaler 130 Sport - Double Good
Previous Boat:
97 278 Vista - Buoy Howdy

I would use blue, but have not seen it sold anywhere around here. I have been using Red for many years in many of my motors.
Red also helps protect against Ethanol.

Either is better than nothing. Fuel without stabilizers in it will start to separate in as little as 30 days.

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2000 248 5.7L DP
'92, '94 SXI 750, '08 STX 15F, '12 Ultra LX 300
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