Question after first outing

[Sean Troy]

My fuel tank was full today at 37 gallons. Spent 2.25 hours running the boat today and a lot of the time was half throttle and various other speeds due to breaking in the engine. A few minutes getting on the throttle also. My fuel gauge didn't seem to move. Is that what should happen with that amount of time on the boat or does that indicate a problem with the gauge? Motor is 2012 Optimax 150XL Thanks, Sean

 

[G8rmac]

First rule of boat club-never trust the fuel gauge. As you use the boat, keep the tank full and you will get a feel for how much fuel you use on a trip, then you can figure out how close the gauge is. Some can be adjusted but others will have to weigh in on that.

 

[cq]

What I did was to pull the motor test data from the mfg., used that as a reference, then figured my gph (gal. per hr.) with the fuel gauge by how I drove, with varing loads. It is just a good guess. My rule of thumb is no more than 1/3 tank out and 1/3 back.

I had a 115hp Merc. on 170 DC, at cruise appox 5 gph(mfg. spec sheet).

It will take a little more time than taking your gal. used and miles travled to figure your fuel usage.



My 2 cents.



cq

 

[Sean Troy]

I'll check out the data on Mercs site. I suppose the more I use the boat, the better I'll be gauging fuel use. Thanks, Sean

 

[edward hughes2]

I cant say how much fuel you used in a couple hrs of breakin running,but I will say that you will be pleasently surprised at the fuel economy of these newer Optis,they are great.