Don't Run Your Boat (or Old Car) On E-15

Des Moines Register:

A blend of 15 percent ethanol and gasoline caused so much damage to boat engines during a government-funded study that the testing of two of three motor types ended early. The ethanol made the engines run hotter, and a rod bearing broke, destroying a 200-horsepower engine that was being tested, lawmakers were told Wednesday. Testing of a 300-horsepower version had to be shut down early when its valves cracked or broke. A third, smaller engine finished the test but also had problems.
Mercury Marine, an engine manufacturer, did the research under contract with the U.S. Department of Energy in coordination with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
Most ethanol gasoline now contains 10 percent corn ethanol, but the Environmental Protection Agency is moving toward allowing the sale of 15 percent blends for model year 2001 and newer cars and trucks. The increase is aimed at expanding the market for ethanol to ensure that refiners can meet the government’s annual mandates for use of biofuels.
E15 won’t be allowed for sale in older vehicles or in boats and power equipment, but car and boat makers worry that consumers may use the new blend in engines for which it isn’t intended. (emphasis mine)

How on earth would they prevent owners of old vehicles from using E15?  This is a public relations nightmare, for EPA and the ethanol industry, just waiting to happen.  Hopefully, somebody with a little sense will put an end to this nonsense.