SEVEN TIPS FOR IMPROVING YOUR BOAT'S FUEL EFFICIENCY
 Today's higher prices
for diesel and gasoline make squeezing the most out of every drop of fuel
more important than ever. Besides the money-saving factor, you'll want
to ensure that you have maximum range capability each time you fill up
your tank. So what steps can you take to optimize the fuel efficiency
of your boat and motor?
Here are some useful tips:
1) Run Mean & Lean
Lighten the load whenever
possible by taking along only essential gear and supplies. If you're going
on a one-day offshore trip, don't pack enough gear and supplies onboard
for a six-day cruise. By limiting the amount of rods and reels, tackle
boxes, ice chests and the like, you'll reduce the weight and drag of your
vessel significantly. Not only will you burn less fuel, you should experience
notable improvements in handling and performance as well.
2) Distribute Weight Evenly
In addition to reducing
the weight of your craft by eliminating unnecessary equipment and excess
"baggage," distributing onboard gear evenly will also help you get more
out of every gallon. If your boat is listing to one side or the bow is
weighted down due to improper placement of onboard gear, your fuel efficiency
will suffer. Instead, see that all onboard equipment and accessories are
properly distributed and balanced. This will help ensure both a smoother
ride and increased mileage.
3) Put Technology on Your Side
A quality onboard
fuel computer will help you efficiently manage what you have in your tank
by supplying accurate, real-time readings of how much fuel you are using
at any given moment. This is a highly desirable alternative to the notoriously
inaccurate fuel gauges that come standard on many boat models.
4) Tune Her Up
 Regular engine maintenance
and tune-ups will contribute greatly to your boat's overall fuel efficiency.
If your motor is not operating the way it should, chances are the system
will be working overtime and consuming more fuel. Have a professional
marine technician overhaul your engine at least once a year. Also make
sure you are running your boat within the RPM range recommended by the
manufacturer for optimum fuel efficiency. In addition to proper engine
maintenance, check other components of your craft's propulsion system,
such as the propeller, for fuel-robbing defects. An improperly sized or
bent prop can also contribute to fuel inefficiency.
5) Time For a Trim
Installing a quality
trim-tab system on your boat will not only improve the ride of your boat,
it will help you go farther on a tank of fuel. Trim tabs allow you make
necessary adjustments to the way your boat cuts through the water, planes
and handles. By Adjusting your trim according to boat speed/load and the
current water conditions will help optimize performance and save fuel.
6) Don't Carry Along Unwelcome Guests
The hulls of boats
kept in the water often have so many "cling-ons," they resemble coral
jungles. If you are carrying a small eco-system of algae, barnacles or
other marine growth on your hull, you will definitely experience fuel-consuming
drag when underway. Regular inspections of your boat's underside, along
with the use of anti-fouling paint and anti-fouling cleaners will help
prevent unwelcome guests from hitching a ride.
7) Drain That Water
The water in your
boat's bait tank and live wells can add a surprising amount of weight
to your vessel. Instead of heading home at the end of the day lugging
along all this extra weight, empty your tanks of unnecessary water (and
bait) before making that long run back to the docks. You'll lighten your
overall load significantly and get better mileage.
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