15
Ways to Save Fuel Dollar$
this Summer
by Alex Zidock Jr.
Don’t allow the fluctuations of fuel prices determine how and
when you use your powerboat this summer. Before prices at
the pump frighten you off the water, consider making some
easy adjustments to your boating practices that will cut down
on fuel consumption and save you money.
“Fill ‘er up?,” the dock girl asked as I cut the engine on my
20½-foot cuddy. “No, we’ll stop at a hundred,” I replied and
took hold of the pump handle to begin the filling process.
Taking on little more than 25 gallons of fuel would bring my
95-gallon tank to just a bit over half full. I explained to her
that gasoline weighs a little more than 6-pounds per gallon.
That translates to more than 300 pounds of fuel when my
tank is just half full. If I filled the tank, the weight of the fuel
would be about 600 pounds or the equivalent of adding four
150-pound adults.
1 The more weight you add to the boat, the more fuel it
takes to move that weight through the water.
2 If your boat has a water tank or live wells, the same
thing applies. If you don’t need to fill the water tank
or live wells, leave them empty. Fill your fish wells
when you catch fish. Water weighs a little more than
8-pounds per gallon.
3 Never remove any safety equipment, but remember
unnecessary weight translates into more fuel it takes
to move the boat. Old line, unused water toys and
anything else you don’t need can be left on shore.
4 Storage and placement of ski or fishing equipment,
tools, anchors and passengers all play a role in how the
boat will move through the water. Putting too much
20
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater • July/August 2015
weight in the bow will cause the boat to “plough,”
and too much weight at the stern will prevent the
boat from getting up on plane and into the optimum
running position. It is usually true that the slower you
run your boat the more fuel you will save. However,
there comes a point where a heavily loaded boat or one
where the load is poorly balanced will take more fuel
dollars to get from point “A” to point “B” than if you
were running more RPMs and on plane.
5 Don’t be afraid to arrange your passengers and crew
to optimize balance and trim. You are the captain,
and you are responsible for the safety of everyone on
board, and a balanced boat is a safer boat. Even if you
start out at the dock and find the boat is not trimmed
up properly, slow to no wake or stop the boat and
reposition passengers and gear to get the best ride.
6 Once you get up and running, a boat is like an
automobile in as much as a steady pace saves fuel.
When changing direction into and out of waves, wind
or tides, it may become necessary to make more use of
the boat’s throttle to compensate and keep your boat
safe. However, a moderate steady speed saves fuel.
7 Boats kept in the water all season may get growth on
the bottom. Animal fouling like mussels can attach,
and algae can turn a boat’s bottom into a green, slimy
mess. Both will greatly affect the boat’s performance.
Keep your hull clean.
8 Older outboards are less efficient than newer motors.
Consider repowering your boat or perhaps add a small
PFBC Facebook: PaFishandBoat
photo-Alex Zidock Jr
“kicker” motor for fishing. It costs less to operate
a smaller outboard for trolling than perhaps the
larger motor.
9 A few dings in the boat’s propeller can make a
big difference in fuel economy. The prop must be
perfectly balanced to give the boat the optimum
performance and the best fuel economy.
10 If you trailer your boat or use transportable fuel
tanks, purchase your fuel at a roadside service station
as opposed to a fuel dock on the water. There can be
more than a dollar difference in the cost per gallon. If
your boat’s motor calls for 87- or 89-octane fuel, use
it. Spending more and purchasing 93-octane fuel will
not improve your miles per gallon. Consider using a
marine fuel additive.
15 Use a good fuel additive when storing your boat or
when you are not going to use it for a few months.
When storing your boat, top off the fuel tank to
prevent condensation of water in the tank. One of the
most predominant problems with boats is water in the
fuel tank.
As with all suggestions, common sense must prevail. Not
filling your boat’s fuel tank to capacity when an extended
voyage is planned and where fuel is not readily available
could create a safety hazard. By employing the fuel-saving
ideas that fit your boating lifestyle, you will enjoy many
more hours boating on Pennsylvania’s vast and varied
waterways and save money too.
photo-Art Michaels
11 If your boat has trim tabs, learn to use them properly.
Experiment with adjusting the trim
tabs for different loads and conditions to get
maximum performance.
14 Install a fuel-flow monitor. This gauge will precisely
tell you at what cruising speed you are getting the
maximum fuel economy.
12 Your marine engine should be tuned at least once
a season, and the fuel filters should be replaced.
Engines with computer-controlled systems may need
special attention to get the most nautical miles per
gallon.
13 Wind can be a disadvantage. Where it is possible and
practical, remove the bimini top or other canvas that
may be acting as a buffer and impeding progress.
Arranging passengers to distribute the weight properly provides
a smooth ride and allows the boat to function as it was designed
for the best fuel efficiency.
photo-Alex Zidock Jr
Use the lowest octane recommended for your boat motor. If the manufacturer of your boat recommends 87- or 89-octane fuel, don’t
use more expensive 93-octane fuel. The higher-octane fuel will not increase performance.
PFBC website: www.fishandboat.com
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater • July/August 2015
21
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