With fuel prices higher than they used to be, it's time to look at Powerboats and saving fuel a little closer. A good way to save fuel is to repower with diesel engines if you have gasoline engines, but that is a little drastic. If your engines are tired, you may want to look into that. In the end, it will save you big time. Less maintenance and fuel consumption, plus great reliability is what you get with diesels. Still with diesels engines or not, we all want to save where we can. It does not matter if you have a small boat or large yacht, gas or diesel, there are ways to hold down fuel usage.On single v8 models, watch how much throttle you give at one time. Those of you with carbureted engines especially have to watch that you don't give too much throttle that opens the 4 barrels. You can hear them when they do open...the boat takes off and you get this deep throaty sound...WWhhhaaaaa. I can hear the fuel being sucked down from here. Slowly, easily move the throttle up...baby it. Enjoy your surroundings instead of leaving it in the dust....oh, I mean spray. Try to get up on plane without opening the 4 barrels or just keep your speed down, that beach or harbor will still be there. If you feel your boat working hard to keep the speed, ease off a bit, find where your boat easily moves thru the water with the least amount of effort...That's the key, less effort means your boat engine isn't working hard and in turn won't consume as much fuel.
On twin engine vessels, you have the option of running one engine at a time instead of both. You'll find the steering a little different, but that's fine you'll get the feel of it. And again enjoy your surroundings as you go along. When you get to your destination and now are returning, use the other engine instead to keep the hours on the motors close...each one gets used. If you still like being on plane, watch how you use the throttle. Let the boat keep up with the engines...don't just rev her up there to get going. Once on plane, ease the throttles back a bit so you feel the lightness of your vessel on top of the water. You don't have to push her hard, just let your boat float along the top and feel for that sweet spot. All boats have it...you just have to find out where. Trust me, you'll know it when you get to it!
Don't push thru waves or wakes, rather try to use them to your advantage to get a push. Try to distribute the weight in your boat evenly so the stern isn't just digging in. And by all means get all boating gear and boat accessories off you normally don't use. You'll be surprised how much boat gear you have accumulated when you see it on the dock. Maybe it's time for a garage sale...turn your unwanted gear into cash. I bet some of that gear you didn't know you had!
With all these changes, you will definitely see a difference in your fuel consumption on your Powerboat. And with all that unwanted gear off, you may even find you have additional sleeping quarters you forgot about!
Getting more out of your Boat or Yacht is always great...and saving on fuel...that's a Homerun!... and Why Knot!
