fuel consumption 45hp

[toddr5516]

i have a 1974 15'tidecraft sticksteer with a 45chrysler.
the boat seems to run fine at all ranges.
If i put the motor in reverse and gas it i sometimes notice a plume of smoke , other than that i believe it runs pretty good for this age of boat.
i seem to get approx. 4 gallons an hour in power range.
Now i just fixed a buddies 16 hydrasport with a 150 evenrude and it seems to get ruffly the same fuel consumption at twice the speed of my boat.
what could be the problem or is there even a problem?
Is there something i'm not doing right or have right prop ,manuel tilt .
I replaced the plugs and cleaned the carb.

 

[roscoe]

Re: fuel consumption 45hp

3-4 gallons per hour is typical at full throttle.
Back it off to 3/4 throttle and cut the fuel consumption to 2 gph.

You also have a 650# hull, plus motor, gas, battery, gear, and you.
That is quite a load for that old 45hp motor, that may only be putting out 35 hp.

Can't comment on you current set up or prop.
You buddies motor is capable of drinking 10+ gallon per hour at WOT.