A lot of people have no idea how much it costs to fuel a boat. When you invite friends and family for an afternoon of boating, fuel up before or after your excursion.  Maybe when they see how much fuel is burned, they'll offer some help.  Of course if you expect money from your guests, you'll have to be upfront from the start.

Sharing the boating experience gives many captains a lot of pleasure but a little help at the pump would be appreciated by most. 

Energy Savers

1. Keep engine property tuned. Check spark plugs.
2. Keep your boat's hull clean.  Obstructions and growth on hull can reduce performance by 50%.
3. Set outboard or lower unit in proper tilt angle for the most efficient cruising.
4. Avoid boating when weather does not permit crusing at an easy RPM.  Rough seas can burn unneccessary fuel and can be dangerous.
5. Plan your trips within a shorter radius of your home port.
6. Buddy up on cruises as long as you don't overload.
7. Do not idle engine for long periods before operating.
8. Get your boat up on plane quickly and once you're on plane throttle back until you are going as slow as you can while still staying on plane.
9. Keep all fuel lines checked for leaks. Leaking fuels lines not only waste fuel but are very dangerous.
10. When possible, drift-fish with the wind instead of trolling.
11. Re-check all maintenance tips in your owner's manual regularly.