Boating is a great way to spend the day. The sun above you, the rush of wind as you race across the water, and the numerous water activities you can enjoy all make boating a long-time favorite activity. However, those leisurely pursuits can be expensive due to how fuel inefficient boats can be. For instance, small boats traveling at cruising speeds use between 3 and 8 gallons of gas per hour making them one of the least fuel-efficient forms of transportation around!
So, how do you make the most of your boat, while saving a bit of money on fuel? Fortunately, there are steps you can take to improve your boat’s fuel efficiency.
10 Ways to Boost Your Boat’s Fuel Efficiency
1. Keep the engine tuned –
Be intentional, have your boat’s engine serviced once a year. An experienced boat mechanic will let you know of any adjustments or needed repairs.
2. Check the propeller –
Having the proper propeller for your boat can save up to 10% in gas usage. So, be sure the propeller you are using is designed for the boat you have and the activities you will be using the boat for. A boat used for watersports such as skiing needs a different propeller than one used primarily for fishing. Also, be sure your boat’s propeller can run at Wide-Open Throttle (WOT). If it cannot, then you need a different propeller. Once you have the correct propeller installed, be consistent in cleaning it off after each use and checking it often, replacing it should it get damaged.
3. Keep your boat’s exterior clean –
A dirty hull will cause the engine to work harder, thus using more fuel.
4. Avoid idling –
Boats, especially newer models which have fuel injection engines, don’t need to idle in order to go.
5. Fuel Additives –
Simply putting a fuel additive in the tank can make a big difference in fuel economy. You can get watercraft safe products from your local AMSOIL dealer, Cardey 4Ever Oil.
6. Upgrade the motor –
Newer boat engines are designed to be more fuel efficient, so if you have an older boat an engine upgrade will help.
7. Lighten up –
Remove anything you don’t need from the boat. More weight means more stress on the engine, and more fuel consumption.
8. Minimize drag –
That canopy or cover may be great for blocking the sun but if you can remove it or take it down then there is less wind resistance created.
9. Slow down –
Lowering your speed by 10% from full throttle will save you 20% in fuel cost. Also, running it at a fuel-efficient RPM will decrease fuel consumption.
10. Update the fuel gauge –
These can often be inaccurate or too old to be completely correct. If you have an older boat, consider upgrading the fuel gauge so you can be more conscious of how much gas is being used.
Boating is a fantastic sport that can be enjoyed by everyone. Implementing these suggestions can make it more cost-effective, and thus more pleasurable. So, keep the engine serviced, use a fuel additive, and keep the boat clean then get ready to make awesome memories!
