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The Best Gas Prices in San Diego, California

.        07/06/2012 11:51:40 AM

"It now costs the equivalent of around $11.00 (USD) per gallon of gasoline to pump unleaded fuel at Statoil and most other stations around the country. High fuel taxes are now paired with high oil prices and the strong Norwegian currency, making it more expensive than ever to fill up a car’s tank in Norway even though Norway is a oil-producing nation." [NIN]

As the cost of gasoline rises, world wide, is it really any surprise to anyone with an  IQ above 100? We all knew this would happen because crude oil is considered a non-renewable energy source and of a limited quantity. As quantity falls and demand rises... the price will naturally increase due to market dynamics. 

So by now you're asking yourself... Where the heck is this guy going with this?

It's quite simple. We are in the boat repair business and our customers consume gasoline and diesel fuel. Besides doing tune-ups, oil changes, and repairs; it is our job to help our customers get the best fuel efficiency possible while enjoying a great day out on the water with their families. Our services, procedures, and boating tips can save 10% to 30% on a boaters fuel usage. This translates into a fuel savings of approximately $80 or more for the day, for some of our customers.

From experience and training we have numerous answers to make this happen. No we're not selling the latest "magical gadget" to strap to your engine or add to your fuel system. We're using tried and true methods that work in the real world. 

Here are just a few examples.

Every engine that comes in for a tune-up is run through a series of diagnostic tests using the latest testing equipment before any service is actually performed. In this way, we identify any existing operational problems and can correct these issues before we proceed to the regular maintenance items. Also, we might recommend additional service if for example a carburetor has been dripping fuel into the engine for an extended period of time.

One of the more common operational problems that wastes fuel is a missing or mal-functioning thermostat in the cooling system. If your engine isn't running and/or idling at the designed temperature; you aren't getting your monies worth from the energy in each gallon of gas. We use digital testing equipment to verify operational temps of all water cooled components built onto a marine engine. Older marine temp gauges on the dash board, are often inaccurate and can not monitor operational cylinder head temp, in most cases.

At times a customer will come in and say that it seems like the boat is sluggish out of the hole and/or isn't as fast as it used to be but seems to run alright. There are many possible reasons for this and most of them waste fuel if not corrected. Our ability to Dyno-Test engines up to 600 horsepower allows us to find all types of malfunctions by duplicating all sorts of operational loads put on an engine. Advantage here is that we eliminate the guess work by being able to focus on the performance of the engine and not have to factor in hull, prop, and sea conditions that could also cause a similar loss in performance. 

Also, because we have many years of experience exclusively with boats and boat design, if the engine checks out good, we can troubleshoot non-engine related problems. Common occurrences are faulty/damaged propeller, poor fuel quality, incorrect outboard engine mounted height, soft transom, hook/rocker in hull bottom, water trapped in boat hull and/or floatation foam, etc.

The above is just a small sample of what we find and often the cost to take corrective measures are paid for in fuel savings in a relatively short time. 

Below are some things you can look for and do now yourself, in most cases.

Tips for saving fuel on a boat.

• Clean and wax the bottom of the boat.

• Remove excess weight. [get to the bottom of those storage bins :~]

• Check hull for trapped water. 

• Only fill the fuel tank for what you think you'll use that day.

• Replace old fuel lines and check for leaks.**

• Drive sensibly [3/4 throttle can save 25% over full throttle]

• Install a fuel flow meter.

• Replace/repair a dinged propeller.

• Clean the flame arrestor on the engine.

• Replace an old battery and charge before going boating.

• Use the correct viscosity engine oil for where you go boating.

• Take canvas and bimini tops down when cruising and/or skiing.

• Get a complete annual tune up.

• Change fuel filters regularly.

• Use a fuel additive.

• Empty waste tank and fill the water tank with only what you need for the day.

• Check the air in the tires of the trailer and the car.

• If a trailer tire is wearing badly... get it checked out to save fuel.

• Replace bias ply trailer tires with radials.

• Remove loose fitting storage cover from boat before trailering.

• Use your boat more often. Regular users get a better return on their investment.

** If you have an oil injected outboard and are experiencing high oil consumption; there is probably an air leak in your fuel line. Replace fuel lines and connectors older than 10 years old.

We hope this information helps. Feel free to stop by and/or call us for additional ways we can help you save gasoline.

Have a safe great boating season.

Additional information about the low cost of boating

How much fuel does an average marine engine burn?

How does boating compare to other recreational activities?

How much of your gas dollar goes to taxes?