What Diesel to Use in Boats
The use of diesel fuel in boats has been a common practice for many years, however, not all diesel fuels are created equal and the type of diesel used in boats is subject to specific regulations.
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the differences between red diesel and white diesel, the legislation behind them, where you can get red diesel for your boat and the ethics behind its use.
Contents:
- Legislation behind red and white diesel for boats
- Where can you get red diesel for your boat?
- The ethics behind the use of red diesel in power boats
Legislation Behind Red and White Diesel For Boats
Diesel fuel in the UK is classified into two main categories. Red diesel, also known as gas oil, is a lower taxed fuel used primarily for agricultural and industrial purposes, while white diesel, also known as road diesel, is used in vehicles and boats and is taxed at a higher rate. The main difference between red and white diesel is the level of duty applied to each.
In the 2021 Budget, the Chancellor Rishi Sunak, announced that sailors will still be able to use red diesel to propel their vessels and that the UK government would remove the subsidy on red diesel from April 2022, although boaters would still be able to use subsidised fuel for heating onboard – so yes, you can use red diesel in boats.
Where Can You Get Red Diesel for Your Boat?
When buying red diesel for your boat, it’s important to have proof of its intended use, such as a VAT certificate or a letter from a boating club – this will demonstrate to the supplier that the fuel is for use in a boat and not for any other purposes.
Red diesel continues to be available in marinas across the UK, but recreational boaters must pay the full rate of duty when purchasing fuel for the purposes of propulsion. Red diesel used for domestic purposes such as heating or electricity generation, may be purchased at the reduced rate of duty.
Recreational sailors that buy diesel for their craft need to make a declaration to the supplier if they intend the fuel to be used for propelling a private pleasure craft. You must also declare what percentage of the fuel will be used for propulsion (as opposed to domestic purposes such as heating or electricity generation).
The Ethics Behind the Use of Red Diesel in Power Boats
The use of red diesel in boats is a controversial topic and raises questions about ethics and fairness. Some argue that using red diesel in boats is unfair to those who pay the higher taxes on white diesel, while others see it as a way to save money on fuel costs.
However, the use of red diesel in boats is not illegal and is covered by the legislation outlined in the 2021 Budget and came into effect from April 2022. It is up to the individual to decide whether the use of red diesel is ethically acceptable or not.
Conclusion
In conclusion, red diesel and white diesel are different types of diesel fuel with specific regulations governing their use. Red diesel is for use in off-road vehicles and boats and can be purchased from fuel suppliers, marine fuel docks, and some petrol stations. The use of red diesel in boats is not illegal but raises questions about ethics and fairness.
