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Fuel Saving Tips
Boating improves qaulity of life ~ is an affordable recreation alternative ~ water access is closer than you think ~ boating fun helps you bond with friends and family ~ boating helps reduce stress ~ and is convenient for an any-time mini vacation! (YBAA, June 2008)
Maximizing Boating's Fuel Economy
With rising gas prices and the environment on everyone's mind for today’s consumer, boaters are using their boats in different ways than in years past.
- Boaters are considering ways to reduce fuel consumption while on the water, including reducing cruising speed, tuning the engine and taking shorter trips. Moor closer to their typical cruising grounds. They’ll throttle back, watch their gas consumption more closely and take their time getting to their destination.
- Unlike driving a car, a boat’s engine is often idling or turned off while anchoring, fishing, floating or at the dock (all of which are some of boaters’ favorite on-the-water activities).
- Over the past three years, boaters have been using their boats as often as ever (between 32-33 days—or 16 weekends—over the course of a year has been the average over the past three years).
- Boaters aren’t boating less. They’re running their engines less and are enjoying all the benefits of the boating lifestyle without using fuel.
- Boating is more than a recreational activity, it’s a lifestyle. Rising gas prices are unlikely to put a stop to boating enthusiasts’ way of life.
Fuel Saving Tips
- Proper speeds on the water will reduce fuel use.
- The proper use of trim tabs reduce drag, especially while accelerating up to planning speeds.
- Minimize the amount of time that you idle at the dock.
- Minimize the use of onboard generators.
- Use dock-side electrical power in lieu of generators.
- Have a float plan so you know exactly where you’re going.
- Make sure the hull is clean.
- Don't under-power your boat. It's important you have enough motor to handle the load.
- Check your propeller. If your boat is slow "out of the hole" or lacks top-end speed, you might have the wrong propeller.
- A well-tuned engine uses less fuel.
- Use the grade of gasoline specified by the engine manufacturer.
- Join a yacht club for discounts on fuel and services.
- Travel to specific boat rendezvous' for deep boating discounts.
In 2007, boating participation increased nearly two percent to 59.1 million adults despite the high gas prices we experienced during the summer of 2007.
- Only three percent of boat owners did not take their boats on the water in 2007 because of gas prices.
- Just one percent of boat owners said they did not plan to use their boat in 2008 due to the cost of fuel.
- In fact, for most boaters good weather and favorable boating conditions overshadow fuel prices when it comes to determining whether to hit the water. (Certified ValvTech Marinas, 2007)
- Most boating doesn’t involve running the engine and using fuel. Anchoring away from shore to enjoy swimming, fishing, and relaxing with friends and family provides all the benefits of boating without using fuel (except to get to and from your favorite anchoring spot).
Excerpted from Best of Boating, Visit DiscoverBoating.com for additional tips on reducing fuel usage!
La Conner Yacht Sales
611 N. Second, in the La Conner Marina
Mailing address: P.O. Box 680
La Conner, WA 98257-0680, USA
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Toll-free 877-305-9880
Tel 360.466.3300
Fax 360.466.3533
Email Us
800-232-8879
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http://laconneryachtsales.com
 
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