Advice from the World Champion on Outboard Fuel Economy: Good Sense and Proper Equipment Save Fuel While Boating

KENNESAW, Ga., March 17 -- With the price of gas these days, savvy boaters are looking for ways to save on fuel costs. Towards that goal, the engineers at Yamaha continually work to improve the fuel efficiency of their outboard motors. For example, in recent tests, a pair of 2003 Yamaha 3.3-liter Z250 HPDI's actually posted fuel economy (mpg) savings exceeding 35 percent at speed when compared to a pair of Yamaha's outstanding 2002 250 horsepower Saltwater Series EFI outboards.

To achieve this fuel efficiency improvement, the new motors feature six individual sensors which continually feed data to an onboard microcomputer ECM (engine control module). These sensors relay data about crank position, throttle position, engine temperature, air temperature, fuel pressure and even atmospheric pressure. These data are continuously analyzed allowing the engine to perform precise adjustments to ignition timing, fuel mixture and other vital settings to create the most efficient combustion for maximum performance and fuel efficiency.

In addition, the Z250 features the next generation High Pressure Direct Injection system (HPDI) which was increased from 700 psi to 1,000 psi to get better fuel atomization for more efficient ignition.

The engineers haven't forgotten the smaller motors, either. In a demonstration of the fuel efficiency of its line of four-strokes, Yamaha's four-stroke F4 set the world record for best outboard fuel economy, an amazing 67 mpg. The Guinness Book of Records confirmed the feat.

But there are factors beyond engine efficiency that can affect fuel use. Here are some tips from Yamaha's engineers on conserving fuel:

-- Make sure the hull is clean. If a boat has been sitting in the water for a long time, cleaning the hull is important for reducing fuel consumption. A clean hull will not only move through the water easier, but also will handle better and give maximum performance while lowering fuel consumption.

-- Don't under-power your boat, it's important you have enough motor to handle the load. Under-powered boats struggle to get up on plane and need more throttle to move the boat, gear and people across the water. The result is poor fuel economy.

-- Check your propeller. If your boat is slow "out of the hole" or lacks top-end speed, you might have the wrong propeller. Prop diameter and pitch make a big difference in fuel economy and speed. Your dealer can help you find the right prop.

-- A well-tuned engine uses less fuel. After a seasonal check-up, maintain your engine at regular intervals throughout the year. Proper maintenance extends engine life and saves fuel.

-- Use the grade of gasoline specified by the engine manufacturer. A high-performance outboard is similar to sports car -- to run properly, it needs the right fuel. Buy your fuel from reliable sources. Lower quality fuel may foul the plugs, cause the engine to stall or decrease performance, all of which burn more fuel.

Most outboards can handle regular or unleaded gasoline, but watch for signs of fouled plugs, such as poor starting or rough running. Use whatever the owner's manual recommends.

By following these simple tips you're on your way to enjoying more time on the water and less time at the pump. Visit www.yamaha-motor.com for more information and boating tips from the Yamaha pros.