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Make the most of your fuel
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Gasoline may be down a couple of cents in cost, but we still need to wring every last mile out of a gallon of fuel. With that in mind, Boat Owners Association of the United States has passed on a couple of tips to stretch your fuel dollar to its maximum. The ideas aren't new, but sometimes we forget them, especially when piling desperately "needed" equipment on board. - Lighten the load: It's one of the easiest no-cost things to save gas, and applies to just about every type of boat – power, fishing or sail. Jump aboard and take a good look at what you really need and clear out all of that junk under the floorboards, in lockers, or in less-used storage areas. If it's already in the slip, remember that water weighs more than eight pounds a gallon. Carrying more than necessary in freshwater and waste tanks is almost like flushing money down the head. - Get a tune-up: An annual engine tune-up, whether you do it yourself or ask a professional, is a must for any powerboat owner. It's also likely to save you the most money on gas in the long run. - Check the prop: To avoid any delay in launching this spring, take your motor's prop to your dealer, marina or local prop shop. It's also good to have a discussion on your current boating needs. - Trailering savings: Check the tire pressure for proper inflation and ensure you have a tight-fitting cover to decrease wind drag. Also, a five or six mile an hour decrease in towing speed will give a noticeable decrease in fuel consumption. Upcoming dates - May 19: Vessel Safety Checks at the boat ramps in Sunset Park, Rock Island, so boaters can find out if they have all the needed safety equipment without the possibility of getting a ticket. - May 20: The Boatin' Breakfasts put on by the Coast Guard Auxiliary will start a month early at the Lion's Club shelter in Andalusia in observance of National Safe Boating Week. Boaters also will be able to get a free Vessel Safety Check to make sure they have all legally required equipment. Jack Tumbleson is a retired copy editor for The Dispatch and The Rock Island Argus and is a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. He can be reached by telephone at (309) 786-5980 and by e-mail at jack@qconline.com. 
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Taylor ridge, IL Details |
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Today is Saturday, May 25, the 145th day of 2013. There are 220 days left in the year.
1863 -- 150 years ago: The annual review of the fire department of this city took placeyesterday and made a fine showing with machines and hose carts in tip-top order.
1888 -- 125 years ago: Last night's prayer meeting at Central Presbyterian Church wascalled off due to water in the basement, residue of last week's flood.
1913 -- 100 years ago: The junior class of Rock Island High School will hold a riverexcursion on the steamer St. Paul next Tuesday.
1938 -- 75 years ago: The 75th Anniversary of the Rock Island Arsenal today finds thenation's largest ordinance manufacturing plant filling many important orders for the army.
1963 -- 50 years ago: Miss Patrice Daly, Rock Island, a senior at Rock Island HighSchool, won second place in the recent state public speaking contest held in Peoria underthe auspices of the Knights of Pythias.
1988 -- 25 years ago: Hampton's sesquicentennial committee and the Hampton HistoricalSociety have scheduled a full slate of activities, which will be held throughout the year, to celebrate the village's 150th birthday. The first celebration will be the Memorial Dayprogram at 10 a.m. May 30, at the Brettun and Black Store Museum on River Road. Therewill be a sesquicentennial display.
(More History)