Fuel Management

#1

How many of you are using it? Do you find it beneficial to your offshore jaunts?

warthog5 · #2

Navman 3100 Heck Yes.

Greg P · #3

Using an EP-20 Zuke interface on my DF150 running through a Lowrance 7200C plotter.

It will change the way you drive your boat as there is a world of difference between what you think is the optimum RPM and what your guage will tell you.

#4

Agree with Greg P. I use my Suzuki fuel management info to cruise at the optimum rpm which varies based on the boat's weight. With today's cost of fuel, the awareness of how much fuel is being burned will quickly change your "full throttle" ahead to what is the best compromise of speed versus fuel used.

#5

I've just installed the Yamaha FM kit. I like the way it work etc......but I need to calibrate the fuel usage.

The instructions say to to fill your tank, set the gauge to "0", run the boat, refill the tank, and compare the burn reading to the "top off" reading. Then adjust percentages accordingly.

My question is can I use a portable 5 gallon tank to do the same instead of filling the boat fuel tank? I usually only carry around 35-50 gallons max.

http://www.youtube.com/user/BLM26CC · #6

Alloy, sure ya can....I do not carry huge volumes of fuel either. Max half a tank at 75 gallons. If I recieved big "tip" money that week.

(And tips are only based on how many fish they catch...great service and a great overall experience means zero....its Fish numbers only. I know how the general public thinks and acts)

I used to have a "flowscan" on my old boat years ago. Pieces of CRAP always breaking, but one thing I really noticed is that it sure does tell ya when you need a tune-up aka: a plug change etc.

As you see your fuel consumption go up, especially if you use the boat alot.

That's what I noticed the most. Plus today...a Flow scan brand gauge has mucho competition, and there's such simpler units avalible.

I think I could really use one of these gauges more than a expensive VHF radio set up right now.

I'd like to see if I'm cruising at optimum. Which is hardly ever over 3600 RPM's
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general consensus???????

BTW....AS AN ADD-ON WHAT MIGHT BE THE OPINIONS ON THE EASIEST INSTALLED AND BEST FUEL MANAGEMENT AFTER MARKET GAUGE TO BUY?

I HEAR.....NAV-MAN ALOT.

#7

I thought so too but wanted to run it by the board :D

As far as tips........when I use to charter boats years back we always took care of the Capt & Mate. Been on trips where we caught $hit, and still took care of them. It's fishing not catching........and I've had those days myself....................

I can see this being very useful especially where I've never seen a sending unit that really worked............

Thanks for the input Capt. Dave...........

CanCanCase · #8

JETTYWOLF wrote:(And tips are only based on how many fish they catch...great service and a great overall experience means zero....its Fish numbers only. I know how the general public thinks and acts)

We usually get taken care of fairly well... even if it's not a banner catching day, I've learned to appreciate the sincere "thank you's" (and make snide remarks about the insincere ones behind their backs!) Know what's even better than a cash tip? Repeat or referral business... up here, a hunting guide relies more on their annual clients returning than they do on a few hundred bucks from a "once in a lifetime" person... Then again, at $15K+ per week, there's a bit more margin to live on than what you and I are earning with our boats, eh? ;-)

Sorry to hijack...
Anyone know of a good system for i/o diesels that might interface with my Furuno NavNet setup for display? Can't go cutting another hole in my dash for a gage or readout!

-Case

http://www.youtube.com/user/BLM26CC · #9

Look into them and get back with me.

I've seen Nav-Man fuel monitors for as little as $100 in Boaters World.
But ya know how us 4 stroker/Alloyists are..we be cocky about our milage compared to the 5 Merc optimax, 72' Contender boys.

Ya got me contemplating. It's always something, custom rods, VHF radios, jigs, more jig rods, fuel money, Trout lures, live shrimps, and now fuel monitors....I need a SUGAR MOMMA'.

#10

Jettywolf,

Just as info, my best cruising is around 3900 to 4100 rpm's. I get around 28 to 30 knots at that level while burning about 10 to 11 gph. The range of numbers is because of the different weights due to takle, ice, fuel level, etc. For those other than Jettywolf, I have the 26' BlackLab hardtop with a 250 Suzuki.

Tom

http://www.youtube.com/user/BLM26CC · #11

"Tops" burn fuel, so I probably get even better....I like toplessness.

It's a good thang. :roll:

Just where an urban sombrero, a portable top. And stay behind windshield to keep from creating additional drag.

#12

AlloyToy

I have the digital Yamaha gauges on my boat. Do you know if I can retrofit their FM system on my boat?

#13

dave, what motor do you have?

Tin Man · #14

I use the Yamaha Command link for my F250 (Pacific 26ST). My mileage and consumption is shown below. I try to run between 4000 and 420 RPM and the fuel monitoring/MPG is a great reminder when I forget.

Mark

RPM MPH GPH MPG

1000 5.20 1.20 4.33
1500 6.90 1.80 3.83
2000 8.30 2.80 2.96
2500 9.80 4.10 2.39
3000 12.90 5.80 2.22
3500 15.80 7.20 2.19
4000 26.80 8.90 3.01
4500 32.40 12.20 2.66
5000 34.80 14.30 2.43
5500 39.60 18.50 2.14
6000 42.30 22.80 1.86

#15

Alloy

F60TLR

#16

Dave,
It may take some creativity on your part, but I think so. You might have to build your own harness.

The man who knows this answer for sure is Andy at Ship Island Marina. Ever heard of them?

http://www.shipyardisland.com/

Very helpful guy named Andy there. Shoot him an e-mail

#17

Thanks Alloy

I am familiar with SIM and have spoken to Andy about another matter. I will be taking the boat in for service in the next few weeks, and I will ask the Yamaha dealer about it then.

http://www.youtube.com/user/BLM26CC · #18

Tin Man wrote:I use the Yamaha Command link for my F250 (Pacific 26ST). My mileage and consumption is shown below. I try to run between 4000 and 420 RPM and the fuel monitoring/MPG is a great reminder when I forget.

Mark

RPM MPH GPH MPG

1000 5.20 1.20 4.33
1500 6.90 1.80 3.83
2000 8.30 2.80 2.96
2500 9.80 4.10 2.39
3000 12.90 5.80 2.22
3500 15.80 7.20 2.19
4000 26.80 8.90 3.01
4500 32.40 12.20 2.66
5000 34.80 14.30 2.43
5500 39.60 18.50 2.14
6000 42.30 22.80 1.86

Now this is nice!
Again, I'm "topless" and even lighter so I can believe I may do a shade better and for particality purposes, and have 25 less HP.
I run usually at 4 grand. And figured all along I was in the 8 GPH range, anyhow.

Thanks TinMan. Good job.