Motorists who hit the road aren’t the only ones who have to contend with high gas prices, boaters do, too.
To help boaters make the most of their fuel, the Boat Owners Association of the United States (BoatUs) has compiled some tips, which the organization shared in a news release.
Here’s a condensed list of those suggestions:
- Tune your engine to get the best efficiency.
- Match the propeller to the kind of boat you have and how you use it. Ask the pros at the propeller shop for advice and experiment with different models. Be sure to keep your propeller clean and in good repair. Be sure your hull is clean, too.
- Keep track of your fuel flow. A fuel-flow meter can show you in real time how many gallons your engine is burning per hour, allowing you to dial in the most efficient speed for your boat.
- Keep in mind that newer engines tend to be slightly more efficient than older models. Options also have increased for electric and hybrid propulsion.
- Don’t carry extra stuff on your boat. Additional weight means more drag.
- Lighten your tanks: Don’t run with a full freshwater or fuel tank unless you absolutely need it.
- Avoid excess idling. Modern engines are fuel injected, so are ready to a minute or two after being started.
- Distribute the load onboard to help your boat run most efficiently. Be sure your boat is not leaning too far to one side or the other. (You may need to rearrange your passengers.)
- Remember that most recreational boats run most efficiently when they’re on plane, so once you’re out of the no-wake zone, safely get on plane, as soon as you can.
- Watch your wake: One sign you’re blowing gas is the size of your wake. While sometimes you have no option, slowing down to no-wake speed saves fuel. It’s a matter of plowing a wall of water rather than efficiently slipping over or through it.
- Slow down: In addition to conserving on gas, it’s safer.
- Reduce wind drag: A canvas or bimini top is great for protection from the sun, but you can improve fuel efficiency while underway by taking it down if you can.
- Navigate smartly: The ultimate trick to saving fuel, of course, is running your engine less. Travel to closer destinations or drop anchor somewhere nearer to home to enjoy your fun afternoon on the water. If possible, take the shorter route and route trips in sync with currents and tide, and try to avoid a lot of banging into head seas.
- Share your angling outings by “buddy boating.”Head out this weekend by inviting the guy in the slip next to you, and then rotate on the next weekend’s angling outing. This fuel-saving technique is especially popular with anglers who fish canyons far offshore. Of course, this also improves your social aspects of fishing life as well.
Published April 06, 2022
