5 Ways to Improve Your Outboard Motor’s Fuel Economy
Save money, time, and the environment by improving your outboard motor’s fuel economy. Bill Howich RV & Marine has put together this list of five simple ways to make your fuel last longer, so you can spend more time on the water and less time at the fuel station.
1. Slow Down
The easiest way to improve your fuel economy is to simply slow down. Engines are most fuel-efficient when operating at about 60-80% of rated output. Instead of going full throttle, boating at 75% can result in up to 50% fuel savings!
2. Limit Weight
When you’re setting out to enjoy a day on the water, try to avoid overpacking. Every little thing brought onboard adds to the boat’s weight, which reduces the outboard motor’s fuel efficiency. Always bring the essentials, such as life vests, snacks, and a first aid kit, but be mindful of bringing anything that you know you probably won’t use.
3. Clean the Hull
When debris builds up on the boat’s bottom, the resulting gunk can cause drag and decrease fuel efficiency. Make sure to clean the hull regularly, especially if you store your boat in the water.
4. Limit Idling
When you’re waiting for your turn to dock or you’re pulling up next to your friend’s boat to chat, you might find yourself letting the boat engine idle. Though convenient, this wastes fuel. Simply turn the engine off when you find yourself in idling situations.
5. Keep Up With Maintenance
An outboard motor burns fuel most efficiently when it’s operating in top condition. Take a look at your owner’s manual for a recommended maintenance schedule and get a full tune-up at least once a year. When you put your boat away for the season, be sure to properly winterize the motor. Likewise, when you take your boat out of storage, be sure to properly de-winterize it. When an outboard motor is well-maintained, it will offer optimized fuel efficiency.
If you need your outboard motor serviced, talk to our service department. We also have a great inventory of outboards for sale at our dealership in Campbell River, BC so stop by today to check it out! We serve all of British Columbia, including those of you in Courtenay and Nanaimo.