Proper Props
Propellers can potentially increase fuel efficiency by as much as 10% when matched to the right boat and purpose. Also consider upgrading your motor — newer models conserve fuel (or eliminate it) and benefit the environment.
Keep the prop clean. Barnacles and other growth will slow it down and affect fuel economy. A dinged or broken propeller will also reduce fuel efficiency, so periodically check for damage.
Lighten Up
A clean boat drags less, so making the effort to spiff up the hull saves money.
The less you haul, the easier the engine load. Chuck what you don’t need, from extra anchors to duplicate tools. Water weighs eight pounds per gallon and gasoline weighs six pounds per gallon, so if you don’t need a full freshwater or fuel tank for nearby adventures, don’t top them off! (The rule of thumb is to have one-third of the fuel to reach your destination, one-third to return home, and one-third in reserve.)
Proceed Smartly
Check the forecast, know the local waters, and plan outings around tides, currents, and winds to reduce consumption. Besides being unpleasant and unsafe, rough conditions create fuel inefficiency.
If you don’t need the shade, remove your vessel’s canvas and bimini top to reduce drag. Evenly distribute your passengers to increase efficiency and instruct them not to all gather in one spot while underway.
Avoid idling — fuel-injected engines don’t need time to warm up. Once you leave the no wake zone, get on plane when safe to do so. However, don’t speed! A smaller wake requires less gas and a lower speed is safer and more economical.
BOATER ALERT!
As of press time, in order to save drivers money, the federal government was seeking to allow the sale of gasoline containing 15% ethanol (E15) during the summer months. However, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) says the unintended consequence of the waiver could inadvertently put a harmful fuel prohibited for use in recreational vessels into your boat’s gas tank.
BoatUS notes recreational vessels are never compatible with E15. It is not permitted by federal law to use E15 fuel in boats, motorcycles, off-road vehicles, and power equipment. Such use voids the engine warranty and causes damage to marine engines. Recreational vessel engines may only use gasoline containing no more than 10% ethanol (E10).
“While we understand the need to save money, we are concerned that fuel retailers may market E15 (15% ethanol) fuel, such as ‘regular 88’ or ‘regular unleaded’ as a lower cost alternative to E10,” said BoatUS Manager of Government Affairs David Kennedy. “And therein lies the problem — the majority of recreational boats are refueled at roadside gas stations and, with almost no safeguards in place, there is a real chance that boat owners, looking for a bargain, will misfuel their boats with E15 fuel.”
