Inline 6 fuel consumption, how are you coping?

[CWKboat]

I own a 1976 1500 that I have not used in a couple of years, or since right around the time fuel prices started to rise noticeably. I didn't shelve it due to fuel consumption, but due to the fact that I was looking for another hull for the engine. I found one and am about to get the inline back on the water.

I was just wondering if those of you who own inlines have stuck with them through rising fuel costs, or if you have looked toward something smaller? How are you coping?

 

[fishdog4449]

Re: Inline 6 fuel consumption, how are you coping?

My '76 1150 has very low gas consumption until you get to WOT. We tubed at the lake all day last weekend on 12 gallons and that was pulling four people on two tubes, so she was working pretty hard. IMO, thats good mileage to expect from a 30+ year old motor.

I think that as long as you keep the rpms around 3000, fuel consumption will not be as bad as you think!

 

[CWKboat]

Re: Inline 6 fuel consumption, how are you coping?

Fishdogg,

I like that boat! How fast does the 1150 push it? My 1500 is going on an 18 ft 1972 Cobia Sportster about that size? Just curious your top speed?

 

[gregpro50]

Re: Inline 6 fuel consumption, how are you coping?

Mine isnt that bad as long as you dont go wide open with it which gets a bit scary in my boat anyway. Its worse than the 60hp I have but not nearly as bad as the 5.0L in my fathers Four Winns. I figure I work all year just to spend this limited time on my boat in the summers when I can so I'll do whatever I have to do to work the fuel prices in my budget.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Inline 6 fuel consumption, how are you coping?

I had a '77 Merc 1500 for years. I now have a Merc 135V6 (2.0L)on the same boat. I think the inline was better on fuel than the V6, especially at cruising speed.

 

[fishdog4449]

Re: Inline 6 fuel consumption, how are you coping?

Thanks CWK, its a 17' Glassmaster. I don't have a speedo, but my friend clocked me at 46 on his gps and thats running a 19P stainless prop. Doesn't look it, but she is pretty light for a 17 footer.
Even better than the top speed, however, is the simply AWESOME torque and power that this motor puts out! I'm talking plane in less than 2 seconds with 1/3 throttle!
It's amazing. I could probably get to 30 in eight or ten seconds.

 

[rightcoastrob]

Re: Inline 6 fuel consumption, how are you coping?

i run with a pair of 1979 115,s on a 22 ft steury offshore fisher.mine dont really get to drinking till im wide open right around 5200 rpm.Im waiting of a set of new hustler props i ordered 19 pitch.had no idea what pitch was on the boat.but like the guy above my boat jumps right up on plane super fast.they have tons of torqe.so im excited to see what my new blades are gunna do for me.

 

[CWKboat]

Re: Inline 6 fuel consumption, how are you coping?

Thanks CWK, its a 17' Glassmaster. I don't have a speedo, but my friend clocked me at 46 on his gps and thats running a 19P stainless prop. Doesn't look it, but she is pretty light for a 17 footer.
Even better than the top speed, however, is the simply AWESOME torque and power that this motor puts out! I'm talking plane in less than 2 seconds with 1/3 throttle!
It's amazing. I could probably get to 30 in eight or ten seconds.

That sounds a lot like my 1500..The inlines just have that mystique don't they?!

 

[honestcharlie56]

Re: Inline 6 fuel consumption, how are you coping?

the dont call em' tower of power for nothin, on most of the strait six's you can get surprisingly good mileage at slower speeds so im told, but those old motors are plenty powerful

 

[redjmp]

Re: Inline 6 fuel consumption, how are you coping?

I had a 1970 'rude lark 50 on my 15' cobra style and it got 2.65 km per litre at 21 mph, max speed 27.
My '86 115 gets 2.55 at the same speed but gets on plane lightning fast and tops out at 47 mph with a cupped 19p stainless.
With a 17p, this boat reaches top speed of 43 faster than my car !!!!!!
All data from a Navman 5500 with fuel sensor.