How Important is better MPG?

[Jdeagro]

Re: How Important is better MPG?

Well the responses so far have been interesting and certainly informative.

Boomy;
At no time have I mentioned our product in the thread, and it was not my intention to discuss our products.

I appreciate your comments and all of this is a help when it comes to understanding what our consumers value most.

QC:
Thank you for your insight.

Tailgunner;

I too have spent most of my life in the Automotive market, and frankly you are correct, the boating industry is far behind the automotive. Volume is probably the number one problem.

There is a lot more that could be done when it comes to better overall performance, and reliability with boats, but the low volume makes it hard to amortize engineering costs, and this drives the prices up.

However, the OEMs are trying.

So far everyone has given me more to think about.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: How Important is better MPG?

I think some (but not enough) people understand that when they buy a more efficient, new boat/motor, they do it understanding that they will never recoup the premium paid for the better boat in that increase in fuel economy. When they buy, they are buying because they want a better ride, more room, more amenities, better reliability and driveability. Any fuel economy increase is a vague side benefit.

If I wanted to replace my 37 year old 125 horse with something of equivelant power that is new, it would take my entire life plus someone elses to recoup the massive premium. So I just use my boat, try to plan my trips more sensibly, optimze my setup, all the stuff I can do for free that improves my economy and keeps a few bucks in the pocket. the reality is I use on average between 7 to 15 gallons of fuel a weekend during the boating season, and that is not much at all.

I do want to buy a new or slightly used boat within the next few years, but its ride, durability, usibility will be of utmost importance. Fuel economy will not be factored because I know it will be better than what I have now...