Fuel efficient boats are vessels designed to reduce fuel usage through design features, use of lightweight materials and innovative hybrid engines. With fuel prices soaring with the crisis in the Middle East, boatowners may not only be concerned about the costs of driving on the road but also their time on the water. Possibly rethinking some of those fishing trips or family days on the water.
Fuel prices are expected to stabilise to more normal levels when the conflict ends. But this recent price hike episode may be a wake-up call to many boatowners to take a harder look at where they can save money, all the time.
For buyers seriously looking for ways to reduce their boating costs, considering more fuel efficient boat models could be the answer. The obvious answer is to buy a yacht or sailing boat. But there are power boats on the market that are marketed with claims of delivering greater fuel economy.
What to Look for with Fuel Efficient Boats
Researching the market for the models that offer the greatest efficiency is recommended. Possibly widen your scope of options from the type of boat you traditionally prefer. This may deliver in lower costs and more time on the water.
Features to look for are the design, especially the hull, and the weight. Models constructed from lightweight materials may ease the number of tank fills. Multihull power boats may be easier on the fuel, especially in rougher waters. Displacement hulls are considered to deliver greater efficiency than planing hull designs.
Speak with outboard motor and engine dealers about the features of the engine. Many manufacturers are incorporating new technology to improve economy. Electric boats are not making a major impact on the market at the moment. But there are models offering hybrid engines.
Installing solar panels to run generators and other appliances may also ease the costs of powering your cruiser.
Of course yachts and sailing boats are the ultimate low-fuel vessel. Yes they do have motors, but these are primarily used when coming into the marina or mooring and when the breeze is insufficient to sail.
Fuel Efficient Boats – Current Models
Eyachts is one dealer in Australia that is offering a number of hybrid models such as the Greenline 42. This is a motor yacht with a hybrid powerplant. It has two Yanmar 250 horsepower motors. The vessel operates at what is described as an ‘economical range’ at lower speed. The electric operation provided with the hybrid set-up operates at displacement speeds.
The Axopar from Eyachts is another to consider. Marketed as a fuel efficient, with claims of up to 30% increase in fuel economy. This is due to the hull design reducing drag. See Eyachts at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show on the Gold Coast in May. The company represents several European boat builders. When the new free trade agreement between Australia and the European Union comes into effect, this could mean price reductions on Euro-brand vessels. Providing even more savings!
Most fuel efficient boats? Buy a Yacht!
If you want to reduce the costs of powering your vessel, consider buying a sailing model. There is a full range of sailing models available in Australia, from small day boats for the family up to luxury cruising models. While the skills to operate a yacht differ from those required for a power boat, they
can be obtained and developed through sail training schools. Sailing can be a great way for young ones to get into boating by joining their local sailing club. In the yacht category, Beneteau is a very popular brand, as is Jeanneau, one of the biggest names in sailing boats globally. Catamarans can be a great design for families as they offer more deck space and some, easier handling. And the multihull design is more fuel efficient when the motor is required. Smaller trailer sail boats are available for those that don’t want the cost of moorings and marina berths.
Sail boats and yachts tend to have long lives. So the second-hand market can be extremely strong. When buying second-hand, carry out all the necessary checks, especially the hull integrity and the condition of the sails.
Yachts and sail boats may require less maintenance than power boats that need regular engine maintenance. Replacement sails may be required at some stage.
Financing on yachts and sailing models is the same as for power boats with both Secured Boat Loans and Unsecured Personal Loans available.
Reduce Boat Buying Costs with Efficient Financing
Whether you are intent on sticking with a power boat or thinking of a change to a more fuel efficient option, the costs of buying a boat may be reduced with cost-effective financing. That means securing the most competitive interest rates. Lower rates that will save you each month in repayments and in the total outlay for the vessel. Possibly consider our lower rates as offsetting costs that are not as easily controlled, such as the bowser prices.
For competitive rate financing on fuel efficient boats, connect with Jade Boat Loans on 1300 000 003 for quotes.
DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION AND SPECIFIC DETAILS CONTAINED IN THE CONTENT OF THIS ARTICLE HAVE BEEN PREPARED AND ARE PRESENTED PURELY AS GENERAL INFORMATION AND NOT INTENDED AS THE ONLY SOURCE OF FINANCIAL ADVICE FOR BOAT BUYERS AND LOAN BORROWERS. FOR THOSE THAT CONSIDER THEY REQUIRE SPECIFIC ADVICE, THEY SHOULD CONSULT WITH A FINANCIAL ADVISOR. LIABILITY IS NOT ACCEPTED IN REGARD TO ERRORS AND MISPRESENTED DATA AND DETAILS HEREIN.
