Chesapeake Angler Magazine
AUGUST ISSUE 2007
By: Capt. Billy Pipkin

 “FUELISH” PLEASURE-

     Keeping costs down

“With the cost of gas this high, I’ve gotta quit fishing.”

“I guess the boat will have to stay on the trailer this season…just can’t afford it anymore.”

While swapping fish stories at Ingram Bay Marina’s gas dock and tackle shop, I hear those statements all too often.

I typically explain to the customer that they cannot see the horizon through the few waves in front of them. (A fisherman’s take on the forest and trees)

Anglers didn’t worry when fuel was $2.50/gal. but at well over $3.00/gal. are threatening to quit their favorite pastime. Let’s put this in perspective:

The average angler will burn about 20 gallons of fuel per day. With the cost being .60 per gallon more this season, they are spending $12.00 more per day - Not very much in the big picture.

The following tips, although geared towards boaters, can also be useful to commuting to work each day.

SAVING BUCKS and HAVING FUN   1)                  Reduce residual costs 2)                  Price shop 3)                  Carpool 4)                  Lose weight 5)                  Tune your boat

 

RESIDUAL COSTS

In one case there was a guy from Richmond who just backed his late model fishing boat worth $50,000 donning nearly $2,000 in rods, reels and the latest tackle down the ramp with his Ford Excursion.  The two fishing buddies unloaded two coolers of food and beverages fit more for the Trump Palace than a day on the water.

What’s wrong with this picture? He could save $20 per trip in fuel, spent towing the boat, by storing it at the marina.

The food these two guys brought could have easily fed a Boy Scout troop. I estimated the three Ukrops bags lightened the wallet another sixty bucks.  Two modest sandwiches, a bag of chips and a gallon of water would suffice.

By the time they bought ice and bait, I figured that they had spent well over $100 before the boat got wet.

SMARTER BUYING

All marinas are not created equal (Prices vary as much as .50 per gallon). You could save big bucks, particularly on large quantities, if you shop around. Make sure that you are comparing similar qualities such as Brand and octane levels. Branded fuels are a better “Dollar for Dollar” value due to their superior additive packages.

BOAT US members realize further savings at facilities like Ingram Bay Marina, who offer additional fuel discounts.

SHELL and some other credit cards give cash back on fuel purchases.  This adds to the savings. Another big benefit to buying your fuel dockside is that Virginia rebates the road tax of 17.5 cents per gallon with a mail-in form available from (www.dmv.state.va.us/).

SHARE A RIDE

Instead of individuals heading out alone, gather a few folks from the marina and go together. Rotate boats each trip so the cost is shared. This not only saves fuel but also builds friendships. This cost savings may earn you the right to pamper yourself with a foot long sub and a box of doughnuts.

LIGHTEN THE LOAD

Many of us find that our boat becomes a storage unit as the season progresses. The added weight of unnecessary gear will reduce your fuel economy and ultimately cost you money. Depending on the size of your boat, this gear can add up to hundreds of pounds. 

If you are fishing short trips keep your water and fuel tanks at half full. Water weighs just over 8 pounds a gallon and gas exceeds 6 pounds. Depending on the size of your tanks, the benefit may be 1000 pounds or more. A lighter boat is a more efficient boat.

BOAT MAINTANANCE

Barnacles are a fuel killer. Whether they are on your bottom, shaft, rudder or propeller, you will lose precious speed and efficiency. If your propeller is dinged or out of pitch, your boat will be less efficient as well.

Find your most efficient running speed. At the correct speed, your boat engine(s) will run smoothly and free. For most boats, this is at a speed just over the point when it begins to plane. If you are not on plane, your engine strains and burns fuel inefficiently. After reaching planning speed, higher rpm’s may get you there faster yet your fuel consumption spirals downward.

Yes, excessive fuel costs are taking a toll on the consumers’ disposable income, yet smart choices and minor sacrifices can reduce its bite.

Start your engines, catch fish and enjoy this summer season.

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Capt. Billy Pipkin owns and operates Ingram Bay Marina and Capt. Billy’s Charters in Wicomico Church, VA. 
Phone: 804.580.7292