Boating is not just an activity, it’s a lifestyle that many people enjoy. However, the costs of spending a weekend on the water can quickly become expensive with one major cost being fuel. Although how much you spend on fuel is dependent on factors such as the boating activity, the duration of the outing and the size of the boat and its engine, there are a few simple fueling guidelines that when followed, can help you cut costs when boating.
If you have recently purchased a used boat or yacht in San Diego, it’s easy to think that you can fill up your boat just like you do your car. In fact, many boaters believe they need to fill up their tank to maximum capacity before embarking on each boating trip. This idea is further championed by marinas, who often urge their customers fill up their tank and reap the benefits of additional fuel sales. However, a completely full tank can actually result in additional costs and operational problems while on the water.
A full tank adds additional weight to your boat or yacht which can cause serious drag issues. The weight of excess fuel makes the engine work harder and in turn, causes more gas to be consumed. Next time you gas up your vessel, put just enough fuel in your boat for that day’s outing. One tip used by avid boaters is to use the one-third rule: determine how much fuel you need to get to where you are going, how much fuel you need to get back, and have another third as a reserve amount.
Additionally, filling a tank to its maximum capacity often results in overfilling, to the point that fuel is wasted when it ends up on the ground or in the water. Always pay attention while you are fueling to avoid unnecessary spills and make sure that any accidental drops are wiped up immediately. Also, many boats have venting systems which allows the escape of fumes and extra condensation from the fuel tanks. While this is great for when the boat is operating, if you overfill your tank, fuel can actually exit through these vents. This is not only bad for your wallet but it is also an environmental hazard and a safety issue.
If you are going on a longer trip and will need a majority of your tank for the outing, you should still only fuel your boat to about 90% capacity because fuel tends to expand with rising temperatures. Also, if you are transporting your boat with a trailer, having your fuel tank at 90% as opposed to 100% will also help to eliminate spills when the boat is baked down the launch ramp.
Following proper fuel practices can help you save money and can help protect the environment. If you notice that your boat is leaking fuel or does not seem to be operating at optimal efficiency, take your vessel to the San Diego boat repair experts at Ballast Point Yachts, Inc. Our skilled service staff can take care of anything from purely aesthetic fixes to engine rebuilds and leakage repairs.
For anything and everything boating in San Diego, come to Ballast Point Yachts, Inc. We can help you find the boat of your dreams, whether a pre-owned Cabo or used Bayliner boat in San Diego. For more information, 619-222-3620 to speak to a knowledgeable boat broker and find the best time to come view our current boat inventory.