SPRINGFIELD, Va., March 17, 2022 – Gas prices are up. What can boaters do to prepare for a summer of boating? The 800,000-plus member Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) has 21 fuel-saving tips boaters can do to help save on fuel and still enjoy a fulfilling season on the water. While some of these techniques may sound obvious, there may be some you never considered.
Before Heading Out:
- Tune your engine now. A once a year for a tune-up and service will help it run more efficiently.
- Match the boat’s prop to the boat and activity. Propellers are most efficient when they’re matched to the kind of boat you have and what you use it for (e.g., towing water skiers, fishing). Ask the pros at a propeller shop for recommendations and experiment with different models. The right prop can potentially increase fuel efficiency by as much as 10%.
- Check your WOT. Take your boat out on a calm day and run wide-open throttle (WOT). The WOT rating is the RPM range the motor should achieve when running at wide open throttle. If it’s not able to reach WOT — or overruns it — you’ve got the wrong prop and you’re not getting the most bang for your fuel buck.
- Check for propeller damage throughout the season. A dinged or broken propeller will hurt your fuel economy, so regularly inspect yours and replace it if it’s damaged.
- Keep the prop clean. Barnacles and other growth can attach to the propeller, which will slow it down and impact fuel economy.
- Keep a slick hull. For boats that spend a lot time in the water, barnacles or stuck-on grass can create drag on the hull and make the engine work harder. Boats in warm places will probably need to be cleaned weekly, while those in colder waters may be able to go a month or two.
- Measure your fuel flow. Install a fuel-flow meter, which can show you in real time how many gallons per hour your engine is burning, and allow you to dial in the most efficient speed for your boat.
- Upgrade your motor — if you can. With the pandemic, engines have been hard to come by, but newer engines tend to be significantly more efficient than older models. The fuel savings alone might not be enough to justify an upgrade, but you’re likely also benefitting the environment. If your vessel is suitable, there are more options for electric and hybrid propulsion than ever before.
- Join BoatUS. Yes, this is a pitch, but it will save you gas money. Members receive exclusive marina fuel discounts at nearly 400 BoatUS Partner Network marinas across the United States that offer BoatUS members up to 10 cents off per gallon of fuel.
- Refuel smartly ashore. Most recreational boats in the U.S. are refueled at roadside gas stations, mini-marts and other retailers. It may be wise to enroll in the retailer’s customer loyalty or “cash back” program. Just read the fine print on how your discount is delivered. Your credit card company or grocery store may also offer percentage-based “cash back” program on fuel. Read more:
