As the 2008 boat show season begins, consumers anticipating a watercraft purchase will potentially meet savings; manufacturer's rebates, extended warranties and dealer specials, yet fuel costs will be on the minds of those perusing the displays.
Guides, resorts, marinas and just about any other water based business that uses or caters to watercraft factor in gas prices. Fuel costs affect consumers and their time on the water as well.
Eric Mueller, engine performance development Manager at Mercury Marine in Fond du Lac, WI answered some questions related to the future development of engines, flexible fuel outboards and how boat owners can achieve better fuel economy.
Q: The design of two-stroke engines has continually evolved to create a
clean burning, fuel-efficient motor. With the advent of direct fuel injection (DFI) systems, are two-strokes here to stay?
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A: The major hurdle facing two stroke engines will be the next round of
emissions regulatory requirements. California has already lowered the next round of emissions requirements on stern drive and inboard engines to levels that are only achievable with catalytic converters. If the outboard
regulations follow suit, the outboard market will face an entirely new set of
challenges that will probably be better met with four-stroke technology.
We are actively pursuing ways to improve the emissions of our engines and the scope of the next outboard emissions rule is not well enough defined to
predict the fate of the outboard two stroke.
Q: At one point four-stroke engines were perceived to be better than two
strokes. How is that comparison today in terms of fuel economy?
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A: As a rule, four-stroke fuel consumption is much better than conventional
carbureted or port fuel injected two-strokes. The direct injection stratified combustion system is definitely an exception to most two-stroke perceptions on fuel economy. Comparisons routinely show that this design has better fuel consumption than many four-stroke engines.
Q: Is there anything in development along the lines of an E-85 or alternative energy engine?
A: We have had extensive discussions regarding alcohol flex fueled outboards.
The major point we keep coming back to is the marine fueling infrastructure. In the horsepower market segments where a flex fuel engine might make sense, large portions of the engines refuel at on-water marinas. Currently there is no marine infrastructure to support flex fuel, so we have found it hard to justify the development of flex fuel
models. We keep a close tab on automotive developments with respect to alternative fuels.
Adopting many of these technologies can be done using a well-understood methodology once it makes sense to do so. Reducing fuel consumption of our engines has and will continue to be a high priority when moving forward with future projects.
Q: What are some steps boaters can take to maximize their fuel economy with their current engine?
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A: The most important thing for maximizing fuel consumption is to keep up with the recommended maintenance schedule. Change engine oil at recommended intervals on four-strokes, and change gear lube and spark plugs at
recommended intervals on all engines. Use the recommended grade of fuel specified for the engine. Avoid E10 ethanol fuels if you can as they do not provide the energy content that a non-alcohol gasoline blend does,
resulting in poorer fuel consumption.
Also, keep your boat hull and engine clean. Marine growth can increase the drag on the watercraft and hurt its fuel consumption.
