Owning a boat on Lake Chelan means endless days of cruising, playing, and relaxing on the water. But with fuel prices where they are, no one wants to spend more than they have to at the pump. Luckily, a few simple adjustments can help improve your boat’s fuel efficiency—saving you money and ensuring you get the most out of every trip.
1. Get Your Engine Tuned Up Before the Season Starts
A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently, using less fuel to deliver the same performance. Old spark plugs, dirty fuel filters, and neglected oil changes can all cause your engine to work harder than necessary. Before you hit the water this season, schedule a pre-season engine tune-up to ensure everything is in top shape.
👉 Need a tune-up? We offer pre-season maintenance to keep your boat running smoothly. Call us today to book an appointment!
2. Check Your Propeller for Damage
Your propeller is a key player in fuel efficiency. A bent, dinged, or improperly sized prop can make your engine strain, leading to wasted fuel. Even a small amount of damage can reduce efficiency by 10% or more. Inspect your prop before the season starts and consider a replacement or repair if needed.
👉 Not sure if your propeller is working efficiently? Bring it in for an inspection—we’ll make sure it’s helping, not hurting, your fuel economy.
3. Keep Extra Weight Off Your Boat
Every extra pound on board makes your boat work harder. Before heading out, do a quick inventory:
- Are you carrying extra gear you don’t need?
- Is there old equipment or unnecessary items taking up space?
- Are your water and fuel tanks filled to only what’s necessary for the trip?
A lighter boat means better mileage and a smoother ride.
Bonus tip: Weight distribution matters, too! Ask our team for insights on how to best balance the load on your boat.
4. Find Your Boat’s “Sweet Spot” for Cruising Speed
Many boaters assume that running at full throttle is the best way to get where they’re going fast. But in reality, every boat has an optimal cruising speed that balances power and efficiency. This is usually between 60-80% of maximum RPM—fast enough to keep you moving but not so fast that you’re burning excess fuel.
5. Keep Your Hull Clean
Here’s one you might not have thought of—your boat’s hull plays a major role in efficiency. Over time, even in freshwater, algae, grime, and buildup can create unnecessary drag. While this might not seem like a big deal, a dirty hull can increase fuel consumption by as much as 30%!
A simple cleaning at the start of the season, and occasional touch-ups throughout, can make a noticeable difference in how efficiently your boat glides across the lake.
👉 Want to improve fuel efficiency and keep your boat looking great? We offer professional hull cleaning as part of our boat detailing services. Call us today for a free estimate!
Schedule Your Pre-Season Maintenance Today!
The best way to ensure your boat is running efficiently? A professional tune-up before the season starts. At Mill Bay Marine, we offer full engine maintenance, propeller inspections, and hull cleaning to help you get the most out of your time on the water.
📞 Call us at (509) 687-2628 or visit millbaymarine.com for more service info.