Sail a motorboat cheaply and avoid wasting fuel. Learn smart handling techniques and how to use certain devices such as a flap, intruder and trim. Your choice of engine and maintenance will also help.
With the prices of fuel, both diesel and petrol, on the rise around the world, the issue of how to cut down on fuel consumption has become paramount even for owners of small motorboats,
Some choose to drastically reduce their seasonal sailing. There are however some tips that can help to keep your engine and reduce fuel consumption.
To avoid wasting diesel or petrol when in navigation what you need to keep in mind first and foremost is the condition of the boat.
How clean the hull is, what kind of propulsion is used and its state of efficiency, the dimensions of the propeller and how weights are distributed on board are also vital contributing factors.
Handling techniques that will help you save
Let’s start by talking about handling techniques. We have to distinguish between a displacement or planing hull vessel. A displacement hull is certainly easier to steer and can adapt better to any kind of sea conditions. In the event of rough sea, for example, you can reduce fuel consumption by proceeding at a a slower speed, which limits the impact with the waves to a minimum and also allows greater comfort to the crew without stressing the vessel and the equipment.
On the other hand, a displacement hull boat bears a larger weight, needs a more high-power engine and requires a large consumption of fuel even at a speed of a few knots. A planing hull boat is generally lighter, uses reduced wet surface, is faster and has more versatile engines.
In order to save on fuel it is necessary to handle the boat“smartly”. For example in the event of rough, head sea, it is cheaper to follow a route that is more linear rather than facing the waves head-on.
Such a route is not always the fastest, but it is important to take the sea at the bow or at quarter.
