Friday, July 19, 2013

Reduce Your Boat's Fuel Usage

Are you concerned about the efficiency of your boat's engine? Do you want to spend less time fueling up at the dock? We want you to get the most out of your boat's tank of fuel (and we're sure you do too)! So we're sharing some tips to not only help you save time and money on fueling, but also help the environment with decreased emissions.




Tune Your Engine
A properly tuned engine will get better mileage and run better. Plus will have fewer emissions. Make sure to service your engine at least once a year and follow the proper maintenance schedule recommended by your engine manufacturer.

Use The Appropriate Propeller
If your boat is slow "out of the hole" or lacks top-end speed, you might have the wrong propeller. Sometimes using the stock propeller may not be the best choice for your type of boating. By experimenting with different props, you may find one that saves fuel and improves performance. The biggest thing you have to worry about with the pitch in the propeller is to make sure the pitch of the propeller allows the motor to generate or run in its recommended RPM range.

Drain Your Boat of Unnecessary Water
Before leaving the dock, be sure to drain your boat of unnecessary water. The lighter your boat is the better gas mileage you'll get.

Reduce Unnecessary Weight
Carry only the gear you will need for your boating excursion. Clear your decks of clutter and lower canvas tops as they create drag. Even having more than one anchor is not always necessary.

Balance Your Load
By balancing your boat's load, you allow your it to plane quickly. Many boats are stern heavy with passengers, motor, batteries and fuel. Consider asking passengers to move forward when accelerating and getting on plane.

Throttle Back To Cruising Speed After Start
Once you get up on a plane, throttle back slightly and find that speed where your boat is on plane and the motor is running smooth without effort. Your boat will ride smooth and level and will perform at its best once you find this speed.

Keep The Boat In Trim
Using your trim tabs and distributing weight evenly will help move your boat through the water with less effort and less fuel. Make sure engine height is set correctly so that your engine is not too deep in the water creating additional drag. Trim your boat so it runs flat and effortlessly.

Avoid Excess Engine Idling
Even when you are idling in neutral, your boat is consuming fuel. Plus, idling can produce potentially deadly carbon monoxide (CO) fumes.

Use The Proper Fuel To Oil Mix
If you must mix your own fuel, be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Too little or too much oil can harm your engine, affect overall performance and reduce fuel efficiency.

Purchase A Low Emission Fuel Efficient Engine
When looking at a new boat or repowering your existing one, look for an engine that promises better fuel economy and lower emissions.

What other tips could you suggest in lowering fuel usage?




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