Reducing fuel consumption is good for Lake George and your wallet! Here are some ways to lessen your fuel consumption when boating on Lake George and use fuel more efficiently.
- Keep the engine tuned. Proper ignition timing and clean spark plugs assure better gas mileage. Have a trained technician inspect the carburetor for proper float level, correct jetting, and proper choke operation. Change the fuel and oil filters on a regular basis.
- Balance your load. A balanced boat can get on plane quickly, reaching the desired speed with less plowing.
- Slow down. Operating at wide-open throttle can increase fuel consumption by 50% or more over mid-range speeds. “Trimming” the boat reduces the amount of wetted surface while maintaining speed at reduced RPMs thereby saving fuel.
- Watch your weight. The lighter the boat and its load, the less horsepower required to propel it, allowing greater fuel economy.
- Avoid excess idling. Whenever you have to stop, turn off the ignition.
- Check your propeller. A damaged prop will waste fuel. Keep propeller blades clean; replace or repair props that have damaged blades. Select diameter and pitch to limit RPMs to the level recommended by the manufacturer.
- Keep your boat bottom clean. Growth of any kind (plant or animal) on your hull increases drag and causes you to use more fuel every time you leave the dock.