Tips to Improve Your Boat’s Fuel Economy

Boating is a fun and relaxing way to spend time with friends and family, but it comes with a cost—the biggest part is fuel. The rising price of gas is often a matter of concern, and you want to save fuel to enjoy more trips at less expense. Thankfully, there are several ways to save fuel without compromising safety or fun on the water. Our experts have gathered a few of our favorite ones—so keep reading to learn more. If you need more information, contact The Ski Shack.

Keep It Light

The heavier your boat is, the more fuel it will consume. Try to minimize the weight of your payload by bringing only the essentials on board. This means packing fewer supplies and opting for lighter materials when choosing gear and furniture for your vessel.

Don’t be a Drag

The cockpit cover or bimini top on your boat keeps you comfortable on hot weather days. However, they can create excessive air drag and reduce your boat’s fuel economy. If it isn’t extremely hot and your passengers are comfortable, you can consider removing these accessories and making your boat lighter. This will make your vessel more fuel efficient and allow you to enjoy more miles per gallon.

A clean hull can also help reduce drag. Make sure you remove debris or buildup on your vessel’s hull and save more fuel on your rides.

Control Your Speed

What is the best boat cruising speed for fuel economy? While it can vary, it falls between 25-30 mph for most boats.

You want to maintain a steady speed to make your boat more fuel-efficient and safer. Accelerating and braking continuously when riding the waves can be exciting. But this can increase your boat’s fuel consumption and strain your engine unnecessarily. To avoid this, lay off your throttle and lower your speed. You want to enjoy your time on the water instead of rushing back to the marina—so stay focused and relaxed.

Saving marine fuel doesn’t mean sacrificing fun for efficiency. On the contrary, this will help you enjoy your rides and make your vessel perform more proficiently and reliably for years to come. 

Boat Dealers in Branson West and Springfield

If you have more questions or want to upgrade your boat to the latest model, visit The Ski Shack. We have dealerships in Springfield, Branson, and Shell Knob, MO, and we proudly serve our patrons from Nixa—so stop by today.