I have a 1996 Bayliner 2655 with a 5.7 and alpha gen. 2. My purpose for this boat is to cruise major rivers. I normally run around 60 to 100 miles each trip and hope to go much further. I move at what would be hull speed on a trawler 8 to 10 knots. This seems to be my pace and saves fuel. The fuel usage is my limiting factor. I am running about 1500 rpm and doing about 3 mpg. Would a change to a merc. 3.0 and proper gearing gain me much fuel range. I know I have the wrong boat for the job but sometimes you gota run what you brung !