Economy with a 25XF and 225 Johnson?

[gcapehart]

This relates to my earlier post about a triangle mark on my speedometer at 18mph. Since I have asked this before without any reply may you reply to this. A while ago there were posts saying the AS was most economical at about 24 MPH. I think the tests were run on a 22'2". Yet the results were said to apply to many AS's because of the similar hull design. Hmmmm any thoughts as our gas is now $3.81/gal. Also getting mileage accurately is tough on the Penobscot where our tides and runoff can produce cureents up to six knots. Seems I need to drop her in a lake.   Thanks, Gary

[Capt. Bob]

Gary,
What you need to maximize your economy is an accurate way to measure fuel consumption. Measuring gals. per hour is the standard method and that is accomplished by using a flow meter.
I run a Floscan meter on my 200 'Rude and have found the best range for my CCP is about 3800 rpm which burns about 8 gal/hour (under normal sea conditions). That equates to about 26mph +/-. If you use the old rule of thumb for an Evinrude that's better than 3 but less than 4 mpg and that's what I always figured I was getting before installing the Floscan.

The meter reads to 20 gal/hour and all you need do is run WFO and you'll peg the gauge.

[GoneFission]

Here's the mileage chart I ran on my 22-2CCP.  I would guess it would be about the same for other deep-V Aquasports, including the FF and XF models - they all have about the same hull, just different lengths.  Best mileage is 3500-4000 RPM and 25-30 MPH.  The first chart below is with the 5 blade HighFive prop, the seond is with the 3 blade Power2 prop.  I did not run a 3750 value on the HighFive prop, but I would mileage would peak there.  All values are with the motor trimmed out for best speed, which makes more difference that anything else you can do:  





So I would vote for a best cruise/mileage at around 25MPH, assuming the motor is turning similar revs.  Look at the WOT value - 18+ gallons per hour - more than twice the best cruise value.  Mileage goes from 3.3 to 2.3 - about a 40% reduction - you can feel that in your wallet!  

Hope this helps!

[RickK]

On my 230 I burn about 14 gph at 25mph, which is the minimum speed to plane, best I can feel/figure.  Comfortable speed of 28mph burns around 17 g/h.  WOT burns 27.5gph.  
Sooooo, I figure my my best burn rate is when I'm "cruising" at 6mph, when I'm burning around 4gph.  More "enjoyment per gallon"

[Capt. Bob]

GF,
We're in the same ball park. I'm running a 4 blade Renegade prop.
You're right on with the "trimmed out" statement. It makes a hell of a difference. The high cost of fuel, more than ever necessitates the need for  the correct screw, trim tabs and a flow meter to maximize your fuel economy.

Rick,
you have my deepest sympathy :cry:

[RickK]

These WAC type boats weigh a lot especially when you top off the 140 gal fuel tank plus I put a 40gal fresh water tank in too.  Add a weeks worth of food, drinks, ice, generator, AC, gear in general and it all adds up, so the motor has to work to push all that weight.
On the flip side, I can carry all that and comfortably camp on the boat for that week with my wife and dog and with full bimini plus canvas/screen all around, I'm protected from the elements.  Try that on a CC.
I use the 170 more often and I get the fuel economy there ta boot.
Two totally different "aqua experiences".  8)

[Capt. Bob]

Rick,
I have always wanted a WAC. Just when I get into position to buy one, fuel skyrockets. You seem to have the best of both worlds but for my situation, a "fleet" probably won't float. My best bet at this time is to hang on to the ROM3 and someday enclose the transom. Looks like a sleeping bag, "Johnson Bucket" and a Sun Shower will have to suffice.  

[GoneFission]

There's a 22-2 WAC on eBay with a 4 stoke 'Zuki that is at $3000, with a buy it now of $4500 with a tandem axle trailer.  Decent looking boat - the owner has a Sea Tow franchise and the motor is off one of his Sea Tow boats.  The boat came from South Carolina, but is now in Tennessee.  This might be a fairly economical WAC.  Check it out at:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/22-Aquas ... enameZWDVW  

See  ya on the water!