Shorelandr Trailers
There are several ways to increase fuel efficiency at the pumps.
Words by Steve Fennell
With gas prices expected to hover well above $2.00 per litre and even more so for diesel on the water this year, it just makes sense to conserve fuel as best as possible, whether you plan long-distance cruises or enjoy day trips to nearby destinations.
Marine engine manufacturers have made great strides in providing optimal fuel economy with cleaner burning, more efficient power plants. However, there are a number of best practices to get the most value per tank. You just may realize you’ll reduce trips to the fuel dock, spend more time on the water and enjoy the added savings.
Plan a Boating Trip The Smart Way
Visiting a new destination can be one of the highlights of your boating season. Yet, when you’re going to an area you have never been to before, getting lost can result in burning unnecessary fuel that could have been easily avoided. Studying regional charts and knowing the exact navigation coordinates will steer you in the right direction every time. It can even allow you to budget fuel costs and running times more precisely.
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Make sure your hull is free of marine sea life and other debris to ensure optimal performance.
Boat Hull Care
Your hull is out of sight most of the time but that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. The buildup of sea life and other marine debris accumulates on the bottom and can affect your boat’s performance and fuel economy. If you keep your boat in a slip during the season, a good practice is hauling it out and doing a good bottom cleaning. Better yet, apply a coat of anti-fouling paint, which helps eliminate the build-up of debris. You’ll be surprised how a clean hull will perform better and reduce fuel consumption.
Check Your Prop and Trim Tabs
Your prop (s) is one of the essential components to get the best performance from your engine and a damaged one (or if you’re running the wrong type for your boat) can increase fuel consumption by approximately 10 percent. In addition to checking for nicks, dings, and bent blades, look for faded matte surfaces and pointed or blunt edges on the blades, which results in higher revving and less fuel efficiency.
If you experience some or all of the above, have your prop repaired or replaced. One option is a stainless steel prop. They are more expensive than aluminum, but the thinner stainless steel blades are designed to create less drag and since they don’t flex as much as their aluminum counterparts, you’ll achieve higher top-end speeds, better fuel economy and range.
When you’re looking at the lower unit of your engine, take time to make sure your trim tabs are free of damage. Although they are designed to prevent plowing, decrease drag and allow your boat to plane quicker at lower RPM, the exact opposite can happen when they are not working properly and will increase fuel consumption.
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If your sterndrive or outboard has a damaged prop, replace it.
Reduce Weight
Weight is another form of drag and the pounds of all your onboard gear add up quickly. Boats are engineered to perform according to their payload or gross load, which is the weight your boat can manage and properly operate with passengers, gear, water toys, and waste tanks. The maximum load can easily be found on your boat’s capacity plate or in the owner’s manual.
Remember, a heavily loaded boat increases the wetted surface of the hull and as result, causes more friction between the bottom and water. This not only reduces speed but increases fuel consumption as the engine is forced to work much harder.
There are many ways to reduce weight while still maintaining onboard safety and enjoyment. Go through all designated storage areas, wardrobes, and cupboards deciding what is essential and what isn’t. Avoid doubling or tripling up with the same items and closely monitor the use of clothing, towels, kitchenware, appliances and other essentials. Weight can also be reduced by routinely emptying the gray or black water tanks and only running with a full fresh water tank when needed.
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Your engine should be serviced every 100 hundred hours to ensure it’s running efficiently.
Ensure Proper Engine Service
A marine engine performs to its maximum potential and fuel economy when it’s well-maintained. Most marine engines should be serviced about every 100 hours, but it’s always a good idea to check fuel/air filters to remove unwanted particles from the fuel tank. Fuel additives are widely available to further clean engine parts and break down harmful substances. Also, ensure the cooling and intake systems are clear of debris from the marine environment.
Final Thoughts and More Ways to Conserve Fuel
One of the best fuel-saving best practices is determining your boat’s ideal cruising speed and fuel usage. The maximum running speed for most marine gas engines is between 4,800 and 6,000 rpm and engine manufacturers recommend a fuel-friendly cruising speed of between 3,400 and 3,800 rpm.
This and other fuel economy details of your engine(s) can be obtained with a fuel flow monitoring system. Most current sterndrive and outboard manufacturers integrate fuel flow monitoring systems as part of a larger engine network such as Mercury’s SmartCraft, ActiveTrim and VesselView Mobile.
They are also available as an aftermarket upgrade either individually or included in an NMEA 2000-connected system. Regardless of your choice, they are an invaluable tool at the helm.
For example, they can relay a variety of fuel data including litres consumed per hour (at a given speed), litres remaining, nautical miles per litre and distance to empty. These are all the details you need to closely monitor fuel economy under various conditions.
Completing some or all of the above best practices before and throughout the season will help improve your engine’s economy. They will also provide peace of mind knowing that you’re not burning unnecessary fuel and you’re getting the best value per tank for every boating trip you experience this season.