Fuel economy

[MJBo]

Howdy. Timely question for everyone. Which throttle position is the most fuel efficient way to get from point a to point b regardless of drive time. thanks.

[SteveWilson]

Well it's not WOT. It depends on your boat. I know that the reviews on Boat Test Publishing do state the throttle position (or RPM's) of maximum MPG. You might want to look up a review of a boat similar to yours.

[Eric Wettschreck]

I'll assume you're talkin about your boat?????

I have a 10' Sea king with a 3.5 hp motor. Ya, we pull skiers with this puppy.

With my boat/motor combo I get the best economy between 1/2 and 3/4 throttle. Open that horsepower machine up and it really sucks fuel. Run under 1/2 throttle and it sucks it pretty good, also.

[92python]

I would say get up on plane then keep the RPMs just high enough to stay up on plane to get the most MPG.

I have used this technique with a very light tank a few miles from the landing on Mile Lacs and I made it back under power.

[delmuts]

steve is right. but if you can't find any info on your rig; then after a while you will find/know a certain speed or rpm that the boat just seems to run well at.( with my older ranger , that was 4000 rpm at about 48 mph. max was 5500rpm at 60mph) that should be some where in that 1/2 to 3/4 range as stated.

[MJBo]

Sounds about right. Thanks everyone.

[Whoaru99]

Best is 4100 RPM on my 1996 90hp Merc. For reference max. recommended RPM is 5500.

So, I would probably agree with around 70-75% of full throttle.

As delmuts said, you can likely get pretty close just by sound and feel. Mine sounds and feels "right" at this RPM for crusing speed (sound and feel is backed by data from one of the boat magazine tests).