With fuel prices escalating and the threat of marine pollution becoming evermore present, one of the greatest challenges facing boat owners currently is fuel consumption. Reducing your fuel usage can not only benefit you financially, but is better for the environment also. In this blog, we’ll explore some fuel-saving tips, that will help you save on fuel in addition to improving your vessel’s performance and appearance.
Fuel Management Systems
One way to prevent fuel waste and improve efficiency is through the introduction of a fuel management system. These systems allow you to track how much fuel is being consumed and at what points of your journey. Some systems even allow sailors to view the efficiency of individual components so you can gain a clear picture of how well your vessel is performing. Using this method, boaters can see if any fuel is being wasted, and if so, they can investigate potential causes of waste and even optimise their journeys to be more efficient.
Fuel management systems also help sailors to identify any issues with the fuel systems onboard. For instance, if you notice fuel levels dropping far quicker than normal, then it might indicate that there is a leak or issue with the fuel tank. It is also important to conduct regular maintenance on your fuel system to confirm the data you’re receiving is correct and to prevent clogs or other issues. A fuel management system can assist with managing fuel consumption, allowing you to find your boat’s optimum speed and help combat costly fuel prices.
Hull Maintenance
Cleaning your vessel’s hull plays a big role in maintaining fuel efficiency. Hulls can accumulate marine fouling, such as barnacles and algae, interfering with the boat’s interaction with the flow of water. What was once a smooth surface now becomes a friction point. This can have a detrimental impact on fuel efficiency, as this causes more drag and makes the boat work harder to get through the water. Performing regular hull maintenance can limit the damage caused by accumulated biofouling, making your vessel move through the water more smoothly and thereby reducing the amount of fuel used. It is vital to clean this area of your boat regularly, as the longer it is left uncleaned, the more susceptible it is to permanent damage or wear and tear.
When cleaning the hull of your boat, owners must ensure that they use cleaning products that are eco-friendly and comply with cleaning regulations. At Offshore Supply, we offer a range of marine cleaning supplies that will not cause damage to marine life. Unitor Enviroclean, for example, is a biodegradable and low-toxic cleaner and degreaser that can effectively clean the hull of your vessel. If you’re looking for a simple way to reduce your fuel consumption and make sailing easier, then cleaning your hull is a great way to begin.
Sailing Techniques
There are some techniques that can be employed whilst sailing to help reduce fuel consumption and take advantage of the wind and sea. Firstly, take into consideration areas of strong currents or tides when planning your route as this will significantly increase how much fuel your boat uses. For those longer voyages, using fuel-efficient navigation tools can aid in mapping out the best route, and can provide information on weather conditions or changes that may impact your journey.
When travelling, it’s a good idea to keep acceleration levels steady and adhere to the optimum speed for your vehicle. This applies to pulling away from the dock, too; be sure to take your time and not waste any unnecessary fuel from the offset. As a general rule, you should always stick to your boat’s maximum weight capacity, including how many people are on board. The heavier your boat is, the more fuel it’s going to use to get through the water. If you’re sailing, then properly adjust your sails to harness the natural power of the wind, as this reduces the reliance on the vessel’s engine. By keeping the engine off wherever possible, you’ll not only be able to save fuel, but you can keep your engine running better for longer.
Sustainable Products available at Offshore Supply
By taking on board these fuel-saving tips, you can save on fuel costs, improve the efficiency of your vessel and limit impact on the marine environment. By investing in marine cleaning supplies from Offshore Supply, boat owners can reduce the amount of friction caused by areas such as the hull, helping to decrease fuel consumption – which is beneficial for both the environment and in saving costs.
Many of our cleaning supplies are also biodegradable and safe for the environment, so that you can travel through waters without disturbing habitats or causing long-term impact to ocean life. Browse our website to learn more about the eco-friendly cleaning products we have on offer, and feel free to get in touch with any queries.