Fuel Economy

Springman26

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Aug 1, 2006
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Ok guys I recently got a 283 Release with dual F225s. I LOVE this boat but the fuel is killing me. I'm using the hell out of it and trying to keep my speed down, that being said I'm lucky to get 1.4-1.5 mpg. I try to keep it under 4000rpm. Recently I went to MTK twice, 72 miles round trip and I used 51 gals of gas. That like 1.4mpg and I took it easy. It's just me and a buddy and like half a tank of fuel. The boat is heavy and rides great but I really wish I could get 2.0 mpg like the Yamaha spec sheet lists. The engines have about 575 hrs on them and are in top shape being rebuilt and new heads. Is this correct or should I just go slower?
 
A fairly old review of that hull and motor combo, attained highest fuel economy at 4500 revs, with a rating of just about 1.9 mpg. Of course, there are so many factors that can affect fuel burn. One big one often overlooked is the hull's condition, bottom paint and growth can seriously impact economy. The motors may not be as efficient as they used to be. One area to check is the O2 sensors. A clogged or bad sensor can cause the motor to run rich. Your spark plugs may help you tell if you are running rich. A sticking/dirty injector can also be an issue. Bad t-stats or temp sensors can confuse the ECU too. If you have the fuel management gauge, they could help you trim the motors for optimal economy. Wind drag may be an issue; Having a bimini or additional winscreen will add drag. Most folks don't realise how much 'equipment' they have on board and that adds weight. Water, ice, beer:), fishing equipment, it all adds up.
If you don't have the fuel management gauge, you might want to add one (Flowscan for example) to help you find the sweet spot and optimal trim. It would also tell you if one motor is a lot less efficient than the other.
 
Ok good info and things I will look into, thank you. I have the Yamaha fuel management system which I can't help staring at while running. I did add a t top 3 piece enclosure with wings which I'm sure now probably slowed me down.
 
Just as a matter of fact, my 98 sailfish with 2004 f225's achieve 1.4 to 1.6 s mpg. I have 700 hours on them. I used to get 1.5 to 1.8 mpgs when they were newer. I have yamaha 3 blade 17' props which i had a prop shop add more cup. This helped my mpgs a little. Wide open rpm is 5700 to 5800 rpms.