7.5 HP fuel consumption?

[huntin dawg]

Hi Gents,
I have a 1973 7.5 HP Merc. I'm curious what kind of fuel consumption I can expect from it so I know what size fuel tank to buy.
It will be pushing a small 11' jon boat laden with lots of hunting gear. I will typically travel 12-14 miles in a day, half downstream and half upstream in a slow running stream.
I am trying to decide between a 3 or 6 gallon tank.
What do you think?

Thanks,
HD

 

[emckelvy]

Re: 7.5 HP fuel consumption?

On crankshaft-rated 2-strokes (Mercs older than '83), divide HP by 10 for full-throttle fuel consumption.

Your 7.5hp Twin will burn approx .75 gph at Wide Open Throttle. Of course at trolling speeds you'll burn way less.

If there's room in the boat, the 6-gal tank will give you twice the distance, if that much fuel gets a bit too heavy you could always just mix up 4 or 5 gallons.

Otherwise pick up a 3-gal tank and if that turns out to be a bit marginal you could just carry a small (like a gallon or so) reserve supply of fuel which would be easily stashed.

Check your local www.Craigslist.org and I bet you find lots of used tanks. Any type of single-hose tank can be used, just take the Evil Non-Merc Brand's fuel fitting off and use a Merc fuel fitting in its place.

Wal-Mart typically carries fittings, fuel lines, Hi-Vis gear oil, and TCW-3 outboard oil in or around their sporting/automotive sections.

HTH........ed

 

[huntin dawg]

Re: 7.5 HP fuel consumption?

Thanks Ed. If it burns .75 gph or so I'll be fine with the 3 gallon tank. It should give me more than enough fuel for an average duck hunting trip. I'll throw an extra gallon can in the boat just to be safe on the first outing.

Jason