Boater's Spring Commissioning Tips for Saving Gas

BoatUS has six tips on spring commissioning that can be done now to save you money on gas all summer long:

Do it Now or Pay Later

With gas prices forecast to remain higher than last summer, BoatUS has six tips on spring commissioning that can be done now to save you money on gas all summer long:

Lighten the load is one of easiest no-cost things to save on gas. Clear out all of that junk that's been stored aboard the boat over winter.

Get a tune-up: An annual tune-up is a must if you're truly serious about saving gas.

Check the prop: Props with little dings should be taken to a repair shop now. This is also the time to ensure you are happy with your prop's performance - have a discussion with your marina or local prop shop to ensure you still have the right prop installed based on your current boating needs.

Paint the bottom: For boats docked in salt or brackish water, keeping the fuel-robbing "green gunk" growth from adhering to your boat's hull can save a lot of fuel. But you'll need to ensure the vessel has a new coat of bottom paint put on, making it difficult for anything to grow on the hull bottom.

Check the trim tabs: Unbalanced boats chew up the gas. During spring commissioning, ensure that trim tabs function properly. Check the reservoir for leaks.

Join BoatUS for only $24 to take advantage of the fuel discount at over 300 BoatUS Cooperating Marinas across the country. All you have to do is find a marina near you by visiting the online BoatUS Member Services Locator (select the "Cooperating Marinas" box in the upper left). The discount can be as much as $.10 off each gallon. For more information on this exclusive BoatUS member discount, go to http://www.boatus.com/discountcenter.