Scuttlebutt Magazine - June 2008 - (Page 30)

Page 30 • June 2008 www.scuttlebutt.com ––––––––––––––––––––– by William B. Hempel, P U. S. Power Squadrons ––––––––––––––––––––– At $4 per gallon, many boaters are finding it too costly to enjoy a day on the water. At two hours each way, a run to a nice marina restaurant can cost a twin engine Tips to make boating less “fuelish” boater upwards of $500. That makes for one very expensive hamburger. Following are ten helpful tips that will help you increase your fuel economy, save a few dollars and maybe increase the time you can afford to be on the water. 1. If you keep the boat on a lift, make certain your hull is clean and well waxed. If you keep your boat in the water, be sure to maintain a good coat of bottom paint. A slippery boat has less drag. 2. Proper size, pitch and number of propeller blades are important. Select the optimal combination for your boat. Sacrificing a little top end speed can give you a 10 percent increase in fuel economy. 3. Nicks, dings or bends in a propeller can increase fuel consumption by up to 15 percent. Check your prop regularly. 4. Clean your carburetor, injectors and flame arrestor to maximize air fuel blend and optimal performance. Commercial gasoline additives are fine to clean your fuel systems and be sure to use a non flammable cleaner on the flame arrestor. 5. Remove all unnecessary weight to minimize the amount of hull being pushed through the water. Every pound of weight creates the need for one more pound of displacement. 6. Trim your tabs, outboards and stern drives to keep your bow up and out of the water to minimize drag. 7. Whenever conditions allow, keep the boat up on plane. (Be certain to adhere to all speed and wildlife control zones). 8. Conduct some control runs and create an RPM vs. fuel consumption curve. This will help you pick your optimum cruising speed. 9. Pick your boating days with care. Rough seas and headwinds can decrease your fuel economy by over 25 percent. 10. Lastly, but most importantly; tell your friends the days of the free boat trips are over. At $4 per gallon it isn’t unreasonable to tell guests up front the approximate cost of the days gas bill and that “we will be splitting the cost among us”. Just do so up front so they have a chance to opt out of paying $100 each for their burger. The U.S. Power Squadrons® have over 450 squadrons. Its members teach boating safety courses and seminars, provide vessel safety checks, assist the National Ocean Service. For more information visit www.usps.org or call 888-367-8777. Bill Hempel is a year round resident of Punta Gorda, Florida. Contact him at billmarl@comcast.net. Call Teri Today! If you own a boat between 15’ & 26’, Drystack on the St. Croix River is the most convenient way to eliminate the hassle of launching and storing your boat. Plus your boat will retain its value much longer. With one quick phone call we will launch your boat and have it ready and waiting for your enjoyment! DRYSTACK Includes • VIP Service • Year Round INDOOR Storage • Unlimited Launching • Dock Security Card System • Use of On-Site Private Facilities • FREE Parking on Grounds to Downtown Stillwater • Heated Swimming Pool • 2 FREE Trailer Launches • $50 FREE GAS • FREE Security Cards • Covers Off & On DRYSTACK Benefits • Longer Boat Life/Value • Covered Storage • Avoid Water Damage & Plant Hazards • Full Service Marina & Marine Services • No More Trailering! • Less Hassle • No Shrinkwrap • Boat Ready & Waiting • Avoid Storm Damage & Vandalism • Keep Your Boat Clean & Out of Harmful Sun Club House & Pool West Marine Store On-Site PD Pappy’s Music Bar/Grill SLIPS AVAILABLE Great Parking for Lumberjack Days & July 4th! www.StillwaterMarina.com http://www.scuttlebutt.com http://www.StillwaterMarina.com http://www.usps.org http://www.StillwaterMarina.com

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Scuttlebutt Magazine - June 2008

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