Fuel Range
- Thread starter Pgloer
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- Jan 1, 2000
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Is this boat new to you?
- Joined
- Mar 18, 2001
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Compared to a car, your fuel economy will be terrible.
The best way to figure YOUR MPG is to use the boat and keep track of mileage and fuel use. Also note how many gallons per hour you burn at cruise.
How many gallons do you hold? How fast do you cruise?
The best way to figure YOUR MPG is to use the boat and keep track of mileage and fuel use. Also note how many gallons per hour you burn at cruise.
How many gallons do you hold? How fast do you cruise?
I've had the same question about fuel consumption. My fuel gauge is not very accurate, and there are so many variables - wind, river current, weight. One of these days I'll invest in a fuel flow meter. That said, it seems like there should be some general guidlines or ranges for engine types and sizes fuel useage at a given rpm.
- Joined
- Jan 1, 2000
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" it seems like there should be some general guidlines or ranges for engine types and sizes fuel useage at a given rpm" -- Portland
There is. It is however inaccurate, because each boat, it's condition ( engine and bottom ), the environment ( temp, humidity ), the seas ( waves, fresh/salt ) and one assumes, the attitude of Neptune or Poseidon all have an effect.
Here is how to -estimate- the usage ( gasoline ):
Take total HP and divide by 10. That is your Gallons per Hour, at Wide Open Throttle.
Take half of that number. That is your GPH at "cruise".
Now, combine the Gallons per hour, with the speed ( Miles per hour ) to get MPG. ( or kts to get NMpG )
Note that this is an ESTIMATE. You should -always- prove these numbers, for your boat, in an assortment of conditions, to get good info. Make your own chart, from your log book and/or testing.
Have you been collecting fuel usage data? That is your best source for info on what kind of range you will get.
There is. It is however inaccurate, because each boat, it's condition ( engine and bottom ), the environment ( temp, humidity ), the seas ( waves, fresh/salt ) and one assumes, the attitude of Neptune or Poseidon all have an effect.
Here is how to -estimate- the usage ( gasoline ):
Take total HP and divide by 10. That is your Gallons per Hour, at Wide Open Throttle.
Take half of that number. That is your GPH at "cruise".
Now, combine the Gallons per hour, with the speed ( Miles per hour ) to get MPG. ( or kts to get NMpG )
Note that this is an ESTIMATE. You should -always- prove these numbers, for your boat, in an assortment of conditions, to get good info. Make your own chart, from your log book and/or testing.
Have you been collecting fuel usage data? That is your best source for info on what kind of range you will get.
Bill,
Thanks for the info. That gives me a good idea on where to start. I have twin hp Mercs Alpha drive. I've been keeping records, but my fuel gauge is so off, the only way I can estimate my useage is by filling the tank. I have a 70 gallon tank. At 1/4 full, it took 35 gallons to fill. At near empty, it took 40 gallons to fill.
Thanks for the info. That gives me a good idea on where to start. I have twin hp Mercs Alpha drive. I've been keeping records, but my fuel gauge is so off, the only way I can estimate my useage is by filling the tank. I have a 70 gallon tank. At 1/4 full, it took 35 gallons to fill. At near empty, it took 40 gallons to fill.
9.5 knots 686 NM (I could never travel at this speed)
18.3 knots 309 NM
23.0 knots 310 NM
28.3 knots 310 NM
* Once I hit 18+ knots or more my MPG is almost the same at .5 miles per gal no matter how fast I go it remains the same.
18.3 knots 309 NM
23.0 knots 310 NM
28.3 knots 310 NM
* Once I hit 18+ knots or more my MPG is almost the same at .5 miles per gal no matter how fast I go it remains the same.
As a rough guestimate, I would start with 1.0-1.3 for the 32 foot. If you look on boat test, they will give some rough NMPG numbers, that is probably ideal. Regals tend to be on the high side with concerns to economy, probably a function of the hull.
IN my 26 foot, I get between 2-3 depending on load and sea state.
IN my 26 foot, I get between 2-3 depending on load and sea state.