Outboard fuel range

[Tin man Johnny]

Hello,
I've been searching online extensively but can't find a clear answer. I have a 6 HP Mercury outboard and want to use a 3-gallon external fuel tank. I'm concerned about fuel economy, especially since I'm planning a trip soon that's over 20 miles round-trip. Can anyone with experience offer guidance on this? Thank you!

 

[racerone]

???----Need to post what type of boat you are on !-----Is this trip going to take 2 hrs or 10 hrs ?

 

[matt167]

2 stroke or 4 stroke? I went 10 miles last year with my 25hp Suzuki and used probably 2 gallons at most. I would get a 6 gallon tank. 4 stroke uses about half the fuel of a 2 stroke in general

 

[Tin man Johnny]

???----Need to post what type of boat you are on !-----Is this trip going to take 2 hrs or 10 hrs ?

It’s a 12ft Jon, around 500lb fully loaded with 1 person

 

[Tin man Johnny]

2 stroke or 4 stroke? I went 10 miles last year with my 25hp Suzuki and used probably 2 gallons at most. I would get a 6 gallon tank. 4 stroke uses about half the fuel of a 2 stroke in general

It’s a 4 stroke, had a guy tell me a 3 gallon would last around 40-45 miles but don’t see how.

 

[Dubed]

Bring a jerry jug. This trip will give you all the info you need, and you wont run out of fuel.

 

[Dubed]

Or an extra tank....

 

[Scott Danforth]

with wind or against wind
with current or against current
smooth water, or 1-2 foot chop
at idle speed, or wot

all of these things affect the fuel burn rate.

regarding your trip. bring along a bit of extra fuel

 

[cyclops222]

Not needed if you can walk on water.