(UNDER CONSTRUCTION)

Every gallon of diesel fuel burned releases through exhaust about 22 pounds of carbon dioxide-the primary greenhouse

Maintenance = Efficiency (YouTube Video)

responsible for ocean acidification-and a variety of particulates and compounds harmful to the environment. (Gasoline engines produce about 19 lbs of carbon dioxide per gallon.)

• Optimum Cruising Speed-use a fuel flow meter or keep an accurate log book to utilize maximum fuel efficiency.

• Slow down- in displacement hulls; cutting speed by one to two knots and decreasing wake drag can cut consumption by 30-50 percent.

• Evaluate power plants based on user needs, single engines or lower horsepower motors can provide a lighter more efficient power plant with less maintenance.

• Optimize vessel trim within stability requirements by using trim tabs and correct weight distribution.

• Maximize your autopilot- If you're not going the shortest to your destination you're wasting fuel. Check autopilot settings to eliminate delayed or over steering. Utilize "no-drift" modes to compensate for wind and current.

• Monitor your exhaust- Exhaust from a well-maintained diesel engine is virtually invisible. Black smoke indicates the engine is overloaded, starved for air, or has worn injectors. White may indicate injector or valve timing problems, burnt valves, or bad gaskets allowing coolant into the cylinders. Blue smoke may signal oil in the combustion chambers from worn rings or valve guides or a turbo seal failure. Any of these problems can decrease engine efficiency and should be repaired.