Fuel prices have always been high, but they have been rising
even more lately… and boat owners are definitely feeling the pinch more than
ever every time they fill up at the marina. The good news is that adopting a
few smart habits and simple maintenance steps can significantly reduce your
fuel consumption without cutting your time on the water. Here are some tips to
help you get more mileage out of your Suzuki outboard motor (or
whatever boat engine you have).
Keep Your Engine Properly Maintained
A well-maintained outboard runs more efficiently than one
that's overdue for service. Dirty fuel filters, worn spark plugs, and old oil
all force the engine to work harder than it needs to, burning more fuel in the
process. Sticking to your recommended service schedule keeps the engine running
at its best and helps you avoid the fuel penalty that comes with neglect.
Clean the Hull Regularly
This next step applies more towards boats that spend a lot
of time in the water rather than on a trailer. Marine growth, like algae and
barnacles, creates drag beneath the waterline, and drag means your engine has
to burn more fuel to maintain the same speed. Regularly cleaning and
antifouling the hull reduces resistance and can noticeably improve fuel economy.
Watch Your Propeller Choice
The wrong propeller pitch or size can force your engine to
run outside its optimal RPM range, wasting fuel. A propeller that's too small
may let the engine over-rev, while one that's too large can bog it down.
Getting the right prop for your boat's weight and typical usage can make a real
difference in efficiency. A marine mechanic can help you choose which propeller
is suitable for your boat engine, so leave this part to the pros.
Trim the Engine Correctly
Proper trim angle reduces drag and helps the hull ride at
its most efficient angle through the water. Running with the engine trimmed too
far down forces the bow to push through water rather than glide over it,
burning extra fuel. Learning to trim up appropriately once on plane is one of
the simplest ways to save fuel on every trip.
Reduce Unnecessary Weight
Excess gear, water in the bilge, or unused equipment all add
weight that the engine has to work harder to move. Before heading out, it's
worth doing a quick check of what's actually needed for the trip and leaving
the rest at home or in storage.
Slow Down Slightly
Fuel consumption increases sharply at higher speeds due to
rising drag. Cruising your Quintrex boat or
your Evolution boat just a few knots slower than your usual pace can lead to a
meaningful reduction in fuel burn over a full day on the water, without adding
much time to most trips.
Plan Routes and Trips Wisely
Combining errands, checking tides and currents, and planning
efficient routes all help minimise unnecessary running time. Fighting against
strong current or wind when it could be avoided simply burns more fuel for the
same distance covered.
Consider Using Fuel Additives and Fresh Fuel
Using stale or contaminated fuel can lower combustion
efficiency. Always use fresh fuel and consider using a fuel stabiliser or
cleaner to help the engine burn fuel more completely and efficiently.
With fuel prices showing no signs of dropping soon, making
small adjustments to your maintenance, trim, speed, and weight can
significantly reduce costs. By developing these mindful habits now, you can
help keep your fuel expenses (and your stress) under control.