Gods of fiberglass and steel #1

[gcapehart]

New here. As gas prices rise to support world terrorism would any of the following help? We have a 25XF with a 225 Johnson 2 stroke. Would a 4 blade prop plane her at a lower and more economical RPM? I am repainting the bottom after sanding, stripping, touch-up and then putting Pettit Hydrocoat on. Is there any other wax/polish which improves economy? We have an aluminum tank that last year at the survey was rated great. The girl is 1982. She runs great and shows her heels to many a Grady White etc. Also last summer I got a great buy on a 20# CQR. Our bottoms in Maine range to evrything. Any tips if this is a safe all around anchor? We still have the Danforth too. Lastly, a great father-n-law gave us a Garmin GPS 498. chartplotter. The model number may be wrong. How accurate are these? My dash speedometer, and sonar/fishfinder show slightly lower speeds. By the way any skippers with straight scoop please opine and inform.At 58 some say I am on the wrong side of the curve but I try. I truly appreciate your insight. Oh she ran great last season. The Penobscot is clear except for occasional ice rafts. By the way i prefer to sleep in the boat than with my wife. Is this temporary? Shucks, she bought the boat for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!    Gary

[JimCt]

As with any boat, maintaining a clean bottom basic to keeping her as efficient as possible.  Special bottom paints will not make a measurable difference to the boat's performance.  Correct prop for your boat is one that will allow the engine to reach rated max. RPM's at wide open throttle.

If you're looking to save significant fuel, put a kicker motor on the stern.  Use it when you're just poking along or trolling.

[pete]

The garmin unit is pretty accurate.I would say that your in dash gauges are off,but as long as its close,dont worry about it.My garmin is +/- 2 mph versus what my yamaha digital gauge says.

[gcapehart]

Do you have any ice rafts in the bay? Just kidding but we do. You sun-belters don't know how we cherish our summer. The wood stove is burning quite well now. Thanks again.  Gary