Question....50HP Merc 4 Stroke...... NEWBIE

[atcboy]

Hey guys,<br />First Post for me, but have been reading the board regularly. I have just recently purchased my first boat (2002 16'6" Lund Alaskan with a 2002 50HP Merc 4 Stroke) YIPPEE<br /><br />My question for you is.....the first time I use this boat it will be on a trip into the middle of no where. Gas planning for the trip (one week) has me stumped. It is quite a ways we are travelling (35 miles each way, and will have to do several trips) Any idea how many gallons of gas I will burn per hour at WOT? Also, how much less if I run at say "3/4 throttle?"<br /><br />Thanks for any info<br />KL

 

[SeaDawg]

Re: Question....50HP Merc 4 Stroke...... NEWBIE

I have a setup fairly close to yours - a 2000 17 ft. Lowe Roughneck (1760MT), with a 1996 50 HP Mariner 4-stroke. I have ran it WOT (5,500 - 5,800 rpm)for several miles, and found that I get about 8 mpg. (statute miles per gallon, NOT nautical miles per gallon).<br /><br />But running at about 5,000 rpm (about 3/4 throttle), I get about 12 mpg (statute again).<br /><br />This is with about a 1,500 pound total load (boat (600 lb), motor (250 lb.), battery (50 lb.), gas (50 lb.), gear (150 lb), 2 persons (400 lb.)- everything).<br /><br />You will generally get much better economy at 3/4 throttle, from my experience with many boats (if it is propped correctly).