Learn to Trim the Boat Properly

Once on plane, trimming the boat’s engine up raises the bow and reduces the drag of the hull, which not only increases fuel economy but also reduces the load on your motor. How do you know when it’s trimmed up the correct amount? Watch the speedometer and incrementally press the upper button on the shift/throttle lever and you’ll see the speed climb. 

If the speed starts dropping, then you’ve trimmed it too far, so give the down button a couple of bumps until the speed reaches its highest level, and then it’s set at its optimum level. Should the waves kick up, trimming the motor down a little might reduce fuel economy but the boat will ride more smoothly.

Find Your Boat’s Most Economical Speeds

Typically, there are two speeds that yield the best mileage: at idle and when the boat is at the slowest speed while being comfortably on plane. A great source for outboard motor performance data, including boat fuel economy information, is Mercury’s Boat House Bulletins. There, you’ll find the data gleaned during performance tests conducted by Mercury technicians on hundreds of boats like the Bayliner Element E21 powered by a Mercury 150-hp outboard. 

Get VesselView Mobile

To get real-time information on exactly what mileage your boat is achieving, you can add a device called VesselView Mobile. It attaches directly to Mercury motors, 2004 and newer that are at least 40 horsepower, and wirelessly transmits the engine’s computer information to a smartphone or SmartCraft-compatible display, which will help your boat achieve its best boating range. 

Not only will VesselView Mobile give current mpg, but it will also show how far your boat can travel on its current fuel load and how much cruising time is left at that speed. In addition, it will provide a wealth of information about engine performance, service needs and will give engine alerts just to name a few of its functions..