What say you? Planing or creeping when you're almost out of gas?

[sktn77a]

Re: What say you? Planing or creeping when you're almost out of gas?

RPM MPH GPH MPG RANGE
700 2.9 0.17 16.9 503
1000 4.3 0.36 11.8 351
1500 6.2 0.66 9.3 276
2000 6.9 1.44 4.8 142
2500 10.3 2.50 4.1 122
3000 18.3 3.24 5.6 168
3500 24.6 3.73 6.6 195
4000 29.1 4.58 6.4 189
4500 33.0 5.38 6.1 182
5000 36.0 6.67 5.4 160
5400 38.9 7.92 4.9 146

some data for my Aquasport center console. it shows best range at idle (700 rpm - 16.9 mpg) and drops with RPM but peaks again at 3,500 rpm (6.6 mpg). It looks like 3500 is better than 2000 rpm, helpful for eficient cruising, but not what you need when you are counting ounces...

Another vote (with data to support the opinion) in favor of idle speed:

http://forum.chaparralboats.com/publications/Editorials/2000mag/00-196SSi-StandOut-TrailerBoats.pdf

Of course, if you're running into a 5-10 mph headwind or tide, then you're going nowhere!

Keith