Per Hour Fuel Usage of 50HP 25HP 15HP and Lower

[genebesch]

I have been asking and asking but it seems no one checks for gas mileage. I have heard that a 50 gets around 5 Gallons Per Hour at top speed but I need to know what it might get at a constant 1/4 speed.

Also, what kind of mileage can one expect out of the smaller motors.

I am more interested in fuel conservation than I am in HIGH SPEED AND POWER. The boat will only be carrying myself and my dog PJ.

We are going on the ICW and then out to the Bahamas and Virgin Islands and don't desire to stop for gas every 2 hours, mostly cause there ain't no gas stations this often.

I believe the Mac 26 M will sail with the best of the displacement boats making these journeys but I want the advantage of the shallower draft, not the power boat stuff as I am a sailor first and foremost.

Thank you for any help.

[James V]

genebesch - A lot will depend on what year the motor is and sea conditions, prop and condition of bottom and how much weight you are carrying.

I have an 06 Mer 50 hp bigfoot with a 14 X 10 prop. I am not fully loaded yet. With my engin at the lower speeds, it really does not matter if the ballast tank is full.

Top speed 17. Gal per hour (GPH) is from 4.5 to 3.5 depending on seas and wind.
at 15 MPH, 4900 RPM's is around 4.7 to 4 GPH
at 8 MPH is about 1 GPH
at 5 MPH is between .3 and .4 GPH

I have 2 - 12 gal tanks, 1 - 5 gal tank and 1 - 1 gal tank

I did the 80 miles from Marathon Harbor to Everglades City in 6 hours and used about 22 gals of fuel. Calm, glass conditions. WOT

[Idle Time]

We have a Suzuki 50 4 stroke. A few weeks ago we went N (down river) and back on the St Johns River in Florida. Traveled 90 mi on 10 gal of gas. (aprox). We had to power fairly hard crossing Lake George on our way home because of wind and waves so used a bit more then. Normally we average 6mph as we are gator hunting etc.

[Frank C]

I have been asking and asking but it seems no one checks for gas mileage. I have heard that a 50 gets around 5 Gallons Per Hour at top speed but I need to know what it might get at a constant 1/4 speed. ... Also, what kind of mileage can one expect out of the smaller motors.

Hmmm ... dare I say, "Welcome! ... first timer?" Pardon my sarcasm, but either there's a "presumptive tone," or maybe I'm just cranky today. Your best answer is, "The smaller outboard, at hull speed, will generally be more fuel efficient." Apparently you don't believe the puffery of various outboard manufacturers?

... I believe the Mac 26 M will sail with the best of the displacement boats making these journeys but I want the advantage of the shallower draft, not the power boat stuff as I am a sailor first and foremost.

WADR - DON'T BELIEVE ANYTHING you read about fuel economy of outboard motors. Boating is primarily recreational. Therefore, attention to (and concern over) fuel economy takes the farthest back seat when I'm on the water. What's YOUR fuel economy when climbing 18 miles of dirt road to your secluded mountain cabin - in 4-wheel drive?

It's an analogous question ... but assuming we HAVE access to such a rare treat, who cares - truly, just think about it. You didn't state "conditions" in your question. Against or with the Gulf Stream? ... against or with the prevailing winds? ... you, your dog, and how much ice, how many tools, how many cans of beverage? And if you want to standardize at say, "ideal conditions," then just read the MFG specs.

The efficiency implications of varying water conditions have such a massive impact on efficiency, it's futile to compare the economy of different engines unless you and your buddy are comparing that 15 hp versus a 50 hp, same day, same track, same speeds - even then, you can't possibly compare for an identically loaded boat. Unless you equalize conditions, answers like 6 mpg and 3 mpg, for the identical motor, can both be perfectly correct. But there's no way that a 50 hp at top speed will get 5 mpg - no way in H&ll.

From the vast range of economy figures I've read here on this board, nobody out there is stressing over the accuracy of the fuel efficiency they're tracking. Besides, SINCE you're "a SAILOR first and foremost," who cares ... your fuel economy is infinite!

(Sorry, I'm sure it's not you ... it's me ... today. Chip's never cranky ... help us out here, okay Chip?
This is really a great forum, so you'll probably get more helpful answers, above and below, than this one. Did you try the search button?

[Robert]

genebesch, just begin by maximizing your fuel capacity and if you don't already own your outboard make sure to choose one with fuel injection for best economy. I also think that for hull speed the 4 stroke will be slightly more efficient than the new fuel injected 2 strokes, just don't expect good economy with a carburated 2 stroke at hull speed.
..
Next, start your long journey with reasonable distances between fuel stops. Use this part of your trip to characterize your fuel economy, write down conditions and speeds and keep a careful log.
..
Finally, when you prepare for that large trip without a fuel stop plan to use only 2/3 to 3/4 of your fuel, a large reserve may come in very handy expecially if conditions are rougher than you expected. Have someone who will call for help if you don't call before a certain time to tell them you made it.

[genebesch]

Frank C is typical of power boaters in both attitude and advise but I think I am looking more for answers like the one where the different speeds were mentioned, which is helpful.

The problem is that everyone seems to use the 50's but when traveling thousands of miles and not having gas stations such as when one goes down the Erie Canal, there is one spot of one hundred miles where fuel is impossible to obtain. Traveling down the Mississippi there is only 1 or 2 spots to get fuel and neither are good if there are lots of passing tugs.

In the Bahamas to Dominican Republic fuel is very expensive and often not available.

The more gas mileage one gets the better. Travelers are not concerned about getting there is 4 hours but getting there period. In the Bahamas most sail at night to take advantage of the night lees and also to conserve fuel required to go against the prevailing winds during the day.

I am a sailor looking at taking a sailboat known as a MacGregor 26 M to the Virgin Islands after doing the Great circle route and speed is not required or desired but weather watching and sound desions are required.

I am simply asking if anyone on any 26 uses a motor of 25 HP or less and what kind of fuel consumption they get and what kind of speeds they do it at.

Sorry Frank C. but it is you who has an attitude I just have trouble finding some information and with 5,000 26's sold someone has to be using something besides 50's.

Thanks again to the others who have provided both useful and helpful information

[Helaku]

Frank C is typical of power boaters in both attitude and advise...
...Sorry Frank C. but it is you who has an attitude

I think today I shall join a bulletin board and endear myself to all that post there.

[cuisto]

wow nice reaction you got there frank c
I have always appreciated you input!

We all still love you


oh yeah, welcome new guy

check your egos at the door

[genebesch]

I am sorry that I don't like being told that I have a presumptive attitude by one of your lifelong friends but just because I asked a question about fuel consumption which very few of you responded to but I did appreciate all of the information that was provided.

If you closely read his comments and read it from my point of view it is a slam.

Take my name off of your obvisiouly private groups sorry I asked.

[Helaku]

genebesch

My apologies, I should not have become involved in your discussion with Frank. I have used this resource for a couple years and have enjoyed the information here. I have only recently set up an account to use the discussion board. The Mod pages are what I use most of the time. If you currently own a Mac I am sure you will find them a valuable resource.

I think from your line of questioning that you are trying to decide if you should buy a motor at a certain Hp. It may be helpful if you add why you seem to shy away from a higher. It very well could be price, as they sure do get pricier the larger you shop. You may find if it is based on price there are many that can point you to the best value at the range you desire.

I think the 40 and 50 hp motors are very economical at low speeds and allow you the option to run fast when you need it. As you have stated that you intend to use your boat for open ocean or blue water sailing, you may want that option if you find the need to run fast for safe harbor. I myself am not nor desire to sail blue water in a small craft, the higher Hp allows me to get to where I intend to sail and get back faster.

Again my apologies for getting involved in the personal side of this thread, it was out of line and no help to anyone.

You may want to try another thread asking for mileage of 9.9 Hp owners, there seems to be a fair share of that set up.

I hope you find the information you seek.


Dave

[Richard O'Brien]

Actually Genebesch this is quite a good question, and one we've never worked out on this board to the best of my knowledge? The advantage of the larger motors is more sophisticated fuel and spark delivery systems. The advantage of the smaller motors is that they aren't lugging around extra crankshaft and other weight at low RPMs? I kind of wonder about the actual results at a given comparable speed like hullspeed (6 or 7 knots?

[genebesch]

Helaku

I have been trying to decide on a lower priced engine because I am going to be sailing over 7,000 miles. I follow the advice of hundreds of people who have sailed the Southern Passages to the Bahamas and beyond..

A man named Van Sant who is considered one of the most knowledgable writes in his book, Passages South, about many people who chose speed over common sense.

He says, and since I have only sailed the Great Circle Route and the Gulf of Mexico, I trust his knowledge that it is not safe to rush from island to island thinking one will beat the wind and waves.

Most people who are taking these trips are simply sailing in the near Bahamas and a little beyond. It is my goal to go to St. Croix VI. and later to South America. This is possible in this boat but only if one follows the advice of truley experienced people, most of whom agree with Van Sant.

Also, fuel is very expensive in the Exhumas, Dominican Republic, Pureto Rico and beyond. It is also hard to find.

My goal would be to motorsail when absolutly necessary but never to use motor alone, with the exception of where and when Sailing won't work

Like I mentioned earlier I am a sailboater. I like the tranquility of sailing and would not take a motor at all, except that I am also not stupid.

I need to travel at no more than 5 to 8 miles per hour and I need to do so with as little fuel as possible.

I was considering a disel inboard but love the idea of getting very close to shore to make it easier to anchor in crowds and easier for my dog PJ to sneak out to the shore for a well deserved run.

I do apologize if I took Frank wrong but I have been asking hundreds of owners and all of the dealers and MacGregor and all I get is that a 50 is recommended but they say the boat will work with a 5 through 50 but no one tells you how well.

The Hunter is similar to the MacGregor but not as good, in my opinion but the biggest motor they permit is about 9.8.

Also, have searched all sites for info on 9.8 and above but found nothing

[Idle Time]

When we bought our X it had a 15 hp on it. Jim originally thought he'd like it better than a 50. After using it awhile we decided on the Suzuki 50 4 stroke. Manily to make use of the other half of the boat. (get there faster when needed). We are really happy with how quiet it runs at 5 & 6 mph. When we first got it we docked and someone walked up to ask about the boat. 10 min later Jim realized the motor was still running. We couldnt even hear it.

[genebesch]

I have been researching for over two months, I am buying my boat at the end of this month. I do have a very old ventura but wouldn't take that in the bath tub.

If I ever find out, I will post on every site I can find.

When I learned to Scuba Dive, I asked my instructor "What kind of gear should I buy". His response was "whatever you like" My response was "How do you know what you like without having used it". His response "You learn by spending tons of money ." As a result I only dived in Florida with a cheap shorty for three years.

[Frank C]

You're right - the attitude was all mine, and I'm sorry to have been rude.

Actually, you'd find little in these archives to address your question. Understand that most here chose the Macgregor BECAUSE it offers hybrid performance of both sail & pseudo-powerboat. Here's some perspective on why the question is tough to answer, including good reasons that you'll find little info on fuel economy. I found this thread that begins with your same sentiment, posted only a month ago.

... when I bought my X in 96, I opted for a 9.9 hp motor. I ... sail mostly on an inland lake. Usually I burn 20L (app.6 US gal) of gas a year. So I was just wandering why a lot have opted to get a 50 or greater hp motor.

In spite of what you'll find in that thread, there are perhaps half-a-dozen serious sailors on this forum who could actually address your question (even if it's basically unanswerable, as your SCUBa guy infers). In fact, MaddMike has used his 26X to cruise from New Orleans to the Bahama, and on to South America, using twin 10-horse motors mounted back there. Search for the Zeno's Arrow threads.

Here's a final perspective maybe more direct to your issues ... Ernest's cruise log, North to Alaska, under the Explorying button. He had to stretch his fuel from Vancouver to Juneau. There are other cruise logs under that button too ... read, learn and enjoy. Good luck w/ your new 26M.