Fuel economy

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wschneid
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Fuel economy

Post by wschneid »

I have a 86 32' Flybridge Sedan. In general, what seems to be the most economical speed/RPM to cruise in open water?
Secondly, My engines seem to top out at about 4000 RPM when on the water. I thought they should go to 4600 RPM. Any comments or suggestions?
Fastjeff
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Re: Fuel economy

Post by Fastjeff »

The way to determine the most economical speed/RPM is with a FloScan type fuel monitoring device.

I can tell you from my own experience (with a similar boat) that mine made 1.2 mpg at 2,500 rpm doing around 20 mph. Mine would get slightly better mileage at 2,000 (15 to 16 mph) and slightly less at 2,800. My engines topped out around 3,900 with the 17 x 15 4 blade props.

Jeff
"We live at the bottom of an ocean of air, not at the top." General Marvage Slatington
wschneid
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Re: Fuel economy

Post by wschneid »

Thanks for the info.

Bill Schneider
jralbert
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Re: Fuel economy

Post by jralbert »

I found tabs aided fuel economy by a small but significant amount.
-joel-
former owner 1988 '32 FB Sedan
Chesapeake Bay
twin 318 / 240 hp
Potomac MD
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Tuggle
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Re: Fuel economy

Post by Tuggle »

What's that? All kidding aside mine does fairly well cruising around 2400-2600, 16-18 mph, about a mile to the gallon. We recently ran a steady 2000-2200 rpm's for a solid five hours with some higher rpm's from time to time and burned about 50 gallons.
"Deplorable", 1975 32' Express, Twin 318's, Raw Water Cooled, Lake Lanier, Ga.
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GB49
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Re: Fuel economy

Post by GB49 »

I haven't done it on the 32 yet but on the 28 we took the flame arresters off while running and looking at the carbs you can tell when the secondary valves open. Make note of the RPM and stay below it, you will save fuel.
1986 Sedan 32'. Twin Chrysler 360in^3, 275hp.
Forum member since 1998.
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bcassedy
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Re: Fuel economy

Post by bcassedy »

GB49....

Great suggestion!!! Coupled with watching and noting the GPH update on a Floscan (if someone has one installed) should be a spot on usage rate, if all things are equal - fuel load, cargo and passengers the same, planing the same.

Can't wait for next year's splash day (what does one call it when the boat stays in the water all year? :lol: )

Bill
Bill & Sharon Cassedy
"Sunset Seeker"
'88 32' Sedan Bridge to be sold (updtd 1-1-22)
"Sunset Seeker Too" (SS2)
'88 41' Marquis hardtop. (as of 1/1/22)
Located in Aurora, In.
Always fresh water.
Fastjeff
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Re: Fuel economy

Post by Fastjeff »

Trust me: a Floscan unit will pay for itself in a year, maybe less. And (if you're a cheapskate like me) you need only install it one one engine (assuming the boat has twins).

Jeff

PS: Be sure to install it WAY away from the fuel pump to get more accurate readings.
"We live at the bottom of an ocean of air, not at the top." General Marvage Slatington
TinLizzy
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Re: Fuel economy

Post by TinLizzy »

Floscan went out of business a year or two ago, someone bought them up, but they do not reply to any form of communication. I tried to order the twinscan flow meter, but no luck. Lowrance and Garmin have fuel flow sensors to connect to their NEMA 2000 backbones.
Rodney
1975 28 Express-Twin 350 Chevy's, SOLD
1990 32 Express--Twin Mercruiser 454 with Bravo I outdrives
Portage Canal Waterway-Upper Peninsula,Lake Superior
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bcassedy
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Re: Fuel economy

Post by bcassedy »

:cry: Rodney,

Not good news.....

Great quality product and we're left with poor options...
Have to spend $$$$ to get a system and then add fuel sensors.

Bill
Bill & Sharon Cassedy
"Sunset Seeker"
'88 32' Sedan Bridge to be sold (updtd 1-1-22)
"Sunset Seeker Too" (SS2)
'88 41' Marquis hardtop. (as of 1/1/22)
Located in Aurora, In.
Always fresh water.
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