Getting Started
5 Steps to Boat Ownership
Spousal Conversion Kit
Boating Courses
Find a Boat Show
Destinations
Safety
Boating Safety Tips
Safe Boating Quiz
For Baby Boomers
Women at the Helm
Safety First
Join A Fishing Trip
Maintenance Tips
Navigation Tips
Helpful Resources
Just for Kids
Ask the Boating Guy
FAQs
Why Boating
Top Reasons to Boat
Boating Activities
Freshwater Fishing
Saltwater Fishing
Sailing
Watersports
Spending Time with Friends and Family
Boating Fun
Good Run Video
Free Boating DVD
Buying a Boat
Choose the right boat
Boat Types
See How Affordable Boating is
Spousal Conversion Kit
Financing Your Boat
Boat Loan Basics
Benefits of Financing your Boat
Why Finance with Dealer
Why Finance with a NMBA member
Find a Marine Lender
Paying Cash for your boat
Tax Deductibility of Interest on Boat Loans
Boat Registration and Insurance
Loan Calculator
Marine Warranties
Engines
Certified Boats and Dealers
New or Pre-Owned
Insuring Your Boat
FAQs
Activities and Locations
Freshwater Fishing
Saltwater Fishing
Sailing
Watersports
Powerboating
Marinas and Ramps
Destinations
Boating with Friends and Family
Try Before You Buy
Find a Boat Show
FAQs
Owning and Operating
See How Affordable Boating is
Accessories
Towing and Trailering
Storing Your Boat
Boat Maintenance
Basic Boat Maintenance
Outboard Motor Care
Pre-Departure Checklist
Spring Start-up Checklist
Semi-Annual Checklist
Winterizing Your Boat
FAQs
Resources
Articles
Freshwater Fishing
Saltwater Fishing
Sailing
Watersports
Time with Friends and Family
Accessories
Spousal Conversion Kit
Tips For Green Boating
Glossary of Boating
Special Offers
Wave Newsletter
Ask the Boating Guy
Related Web Sites
Youth Boating Organizations
Site Map
Quick Tips For Reducing Fuel Usage
Slower speeds on the water will reduce use
The proper use of trim tabs reduces drag, especially while accelerating up to planning speeds.
Minimize the amount of time that you idle at the dock
Minimize the use of onboard generators.
Use dock-side electrical power in lieu of generators.
Have a float plan so you know exactly where you're going.
Make sure the hull is clean.
Don't under-power your boat. It's important you have enough motor to handle the load.
Check your propeller. If your boat is slow "out of the hole" or lacks top-end speed, you might have the wrong propeller.
A well-tuned engine uses less fuel.
Use the grade of gasoline specified by the engine manufacturer.