Bob Kimber
Petty Officer 3rd Class
- Joined
- Jun 13, 2002
- Messages
- 97
Hi Illis,<br />Sorry about the late reply, today was the first day out in the boat since Sept 2002 (recovering from a smashed up ankle), some info for you.<br /> Boat Speed<br /># 3,800 rpm = 25 mph<br /># 4,400 rpm = 30 mph<br /># 4,800 rpm = 33.5 mph<br /># 5,350 rpm = 39 mph (this is WOT)<br />Speeds shown were as indicated on speedo, but verified with a GPS, speedo is completely accurate, almost nil variation with GPS.<br />This was recorded during a 40 mile trip today around one of our coastal islands. Sea conditions very good only 12" to 15" chop on a low swell, wind 10 to 12 knots. Full fuel load in main underfloor tanks (25 gls) did not carry auxillary tank, all safety gear, 2 X 200 lb adults, haven't topped up fuel tanks as yet, but visual check looks about 3/4 full.<br /><br />Previous average fuel consumption during normal operation (cruise between 4,200 and 4,800 with short runs at WOT) is about 4.25 gls over 30 mile run, say between 6 to 7 mpg depending on sea conditions.<br /><br />Boat is 23 year old 17ft Haines Hunter (Aussie brand) deep V fibreglass half cabin, old style construction (glassed in timber stringers, floors and transom) very heavy for its size but very strong, when new was considered one of the best brands on market. Still using original Merc speedo, water pressure gauge and steering assembly, with new trim gauge and tach supplied with new 90 Merc, now running 13 1/4" dia by 17" pitch alum prop. I think this is propped about as good as I can get it, reccommended range is 5,000 to 5500, I think I would get to a little over 5,400 in smooth conditions.<br /><br />Despite the negative opinions expressed by some people, I think if you tune it properly the motor will idle very well in gear at trolling speed, all 2 strokes will load up with excessive low speed running but I still give some similar size boats with larger engines a run for their money at speed and in fuel consumption.<br />regards<br />Bob
<br /><br />My boat is much similar to yours and the performance looks good.<br /><br />*waiting for the spring, cold up here in northern Europe*<br /><br />/Illis