Fuel capacity - 17' Larson fish/ski

[ToddinLondon]

I have a 1998 Larson fish/ski. I don't know the fuel capacity. I'm guessing around 25-30 gals. Any ideas? <br /><br />I just got off the lake. I ran the boat about 25 miles and was amazed that it took so much gas . . . half a tank or more according to the gauge! The engine is a '98 Johnson 115. What should I expect for miles per gallon?

 

[TxRiverRat]

Re: Fuel capacity - 17' Larson fish/ski

You didn't really say how fast you were cruising at, what the pitch of the prop was, or what the boats loaded weight was - three very important things to consider. <br /><br />However, generally speaking, run-about boats at a cruising speed with an average load will get about 2-3 MPG. Huge boats are a different story though - then you are talking about gallons per mile.

 

[ToddinLondon]

Re: Fuel capacity - 17' Larson fish/ski

Total load of the boat was 400lbs. The prop was all the way down and I was cruising around 20-25 MPH. <br /><br />When I last put gas, I was down to about a 1/4 of a tank. I added 12 gal. After the trip today, I'm just below 1/4. If what you are saying is true, after my 25 mile trip today, I approximately used the 12 gals I recently added. I'm surprised to hear that I will only get 2-3 gals. How can I improve performance other than less weight and lower speed?

 

[SeaDawg]

Re: Fuel capacity - 17' Larson fish/ski

About the only way to get a significant improvement is to get a 4 stroke or fuel injected 2 stroke motor.<br /><br />If you use the boat much, you will pay for the new motor in fuel savings alone (figured over the life of the motor).<br /><br />Sorry, the older 2-stroke just like fuel (and oil).

 

[SCO]

Re: Fuel capacity - 17' Larson fish/ski

I think I get about 12 gallons per hour from a 70's Johnson 135V4.