[Healeys] Boat Gas Mileage--non-healey

[Gbouff1 at aol.com]

Greg,
 
That's very decent gas mileage as far as boats  go.  Keep in mind that once 
you reach speed after accelerating in  a car, you can then back off on the 
throttle and still maintain speed.  In  a boat you just slow down when letting off 
the throttle. That prop  stuck in the water is nothing more than a big water 
pump, the more  water you pump, the faster you go.
 
I had a 21 FT Deep Vee fishing machine powered by twin 125 HP  2cycle (very 
inefficient) outboards back in the early 90's.  Gas  mileage at 25-30 mph 
cruise was around 15 gph and wide open throttle was 30  gph at 50-55 mph.  Needless 
to say, I dumped it during the gas price  increases caused by Desert Storm.  
 
I've fished with a friend for over 25 years in his 23 ft single  V8 and he 
averages around 10 gph at 20-25 mph.   Even at today's  price, buying gas and 
bait is still cheaper than owning a boat.
 
So in answer to your question, 12 gals seems reasonable for 2 hours at  
cruising speed.
 
Gary Bouffard
Happy former boat owner



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