Check your boats fuel consumption!

[Fun Times]

Found this fuel consumption economy meter on a different boating forum! This looks like a fun tool to play around with for those who like to monitor fuel consumption.

You can select from different engine models as well as single or twin engine setups. The website is nice due to it gives you a ball park reference for GPH used if you know what MPH you run at a given RPM.

The rpm gauge automatically moves giving you the GPH numbers.

It's not exact i'm sure, But maybe it's close enough that it would be a good reference tool for those wanting some fuel consumption numbers for future reference.

Looking for a boat ? Check fuel consumption all types of boats !

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Check your boats fuel consumption!

I never worry about my boat's fuel consumption, I figure if you are worried about how much fuel your boat uses or how much it costs to run your boat, you probably shouldn't even own a boat.

I see people worry and fret about how much their restoration is going to cost them in the resto threads forum... but when it comes time to fill the boat up with fuel to run it around on the water they don't even give it a second thought as to the cost of a tank of gas, or multiple tanks per weekend.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Check your boats fuel consumption!

Or put one gallon in a tank and run it till it runs out then you know

 

[johnson89]

Re: Check your boats fuel consumption!

this question is ask a lot,so could be very helpful for 1st time boat buyers who might not know that boats need a lot fuel or for those that might considered getting a different engine and would like too see how much more or less fuel will be needed........

 

[JoLin]

Re: Check your boats fuel consumption!

SOMEBODY here posted a multi-step calculator last year, that gave a close estimation of fuel burn at cruising speed based on total horsepower. For my boat, the result was within 1 gph of what I'd guesstimated myself over a couple of seasons of running. I searched but can't find it. If anybody does know it, please repost it here.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Check your boats fuel consumption!

this question is ask a lot,so could be very helpful for 1st time boat buyers who might not know that boats need a lot fuel or for those that might considered getting a different engine and would like too see how much more or less fuel will be needed........

Its really a tough comparison that newbie boat owners don't really get. Smaller engines don't always mean better MPG's, and your hand on the throttle has far more impact to GPH than anything else.

 

[Grandad]

Re: Check your boats fuel consumption!

I agree somewhat with jig's comment about cost, but when I'm on the water, I'm more interested with what my range will be and if I'll get home again on the gas I have. Ya, I know, 1/3 out, 1/3 back, 1/3 reserve, but when I'm planning a family outing with a relatively small 15 gal tank, I'd like to know how far my 120 hp Mercruiser will get me. Having checked the website at the 135 hp (the closest available), I note that the consumption per RPM climbs dramatically above 3,000 RPM as one might expect. That's just about the breaking point also for planing speed for my 21' Starcraft Holiday. So, if one also figures in the actual MPH on plane, there really is a sweet spot just on plane. I managed to scrounge a pair of trim tabs minus actuators that I'm planning to "smarten up" in an attempt to lower my planing speed, reduce my consumption and increase my cruising range. - Grandad

 

[spdracr39]

Re: Check your boats fuel consumption!

Knowing your fuel consumption is important for a couple of reasons. Most importantly making it back to the ramp and secondly if you notice a drastic change there is a maintenance problem to be dealt with. I don't think a chart is the answer though. Experience is the only way to know because everyone's operating habits and conditions are different.

 

[USS MINNOW]

Re: Check your boats fuel consumption!

The way I run my boat each time varies, however it varies in a similar manner. I fill up the tank after each use so I have a good idea of my GPH. Fueling in this manner a few times should tell you what you need.

A gauge and a 45 gal tank help also!