When did "modern" fuel economy start in mid-HP range Mercs?

[John Fader]

I am planning to buy a used later model merc in the 40-60 HP range in the near future. I want to be able to cruise my boat at low speeds and light throttle openings. The boat is a large aluminum runabout, but I want to use it like a displacement boat for long slow river cruising.<br /><br />I hear that engines with excellent fuel economy technology showed up in the 90s, but have't been able to find in exactly which year that technology became avaailable in my desired power range.<br /><br />Can anyone help with that question? Also, if anyone has knowledge of specific engine models that excel in economy, I'd appreciate hearing of those.<br /><br />TIA/John Fader

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: When did "modern" fuel economy start in mid-HP range Mercs?

john, have you looked at the bigfoot models? if youre gonna use your boat at low speeds such as a displacement boat, than low speed grunt is what you need.<br /><br />although i bet that ANY of the motors in your choice of suggestions will get great economy at that slow of speed.<br /><br />you should figure on any motor using 10% of its stated HP ratings as gas usage...such as...a 100hp will use 10 gallons per hour at WOT.<br />wo youre 40hp should use about 4 gallons at WOT. 4strokes re a lil better, and EFI is even better. try to find an efi 4 stroke bigfoot and youll be golden<br /><br />by the way, welcome to iboats

 

[John Fader]

Re: When did "modern" fuel economy start in mid-HP range Mercs?

Thanks, myoutboards, for both the welcome and the fine reply.<br /><br />you bring to my mind a couple related questions. <br /><br />First, when did EFI first appear in these mid-hp engines?<br /><br />Second, I have thoughtabout using the boat purely in the displacement mode with a small engine. I'd give up the idea of planing entirely and go for pure economy, both in fuel consumption and in purchase price. How small does the big foot line go? I've seen it in a 20 hp 4- stroke, but I'm wondering how small it goes, in both 2-and4-strokes.<br /><br />BTW, allow me a digression, please. I think 20 hp would plane this boat solidly, and give speeds in the high teens. It is light in spite of its size, and it has a large planing surface. I have an old OMC 18 hp that I'm thinking about trying just to see if my theory is correct.<br /><br />Still, if I go for low power, I'd want to to really low, maybe 10 hp if the big foot goes that low.<br /><br />Cheers/Fader