Mercruiser Fuel Consumption

[mauriehill]

I have just bought a 23 foot Caribbean Bertram Flybridge cruiser with a 1988 5.0L 230HP Mercruiser Alpha inboard/sterndrive engine in it. This motor has done approx 600 hours only since new and has been fully maintained by Mercury service engineers.<br /><br />Question is: What fuel consumption can I expect in fine weather conditions in open water at recommended cruising speed of 18-22 knots? Fuel tank is 160 litres.<br /><br />The previous owner had not used this craft in open waters but I plan to undertake relatively long passages and I'm trying to determine fuel utilisation.<br /><br />Thank you<br /><br />Maurie Hill

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Mercruiser Fuel Consumption

You should really look into adding a fuel flow meter. It will give you precise information regarding your fuel usages. They cost about $200 US and install easily. Search here on iBoats and I am sure you will find a few to choose from.

 

[Spidybot]

Re: Mercruiser Fuel Consumption

Very good idea, indeed.<br /><br />Next step will be to optimize your setup to help the thing do it's best!<br /><br />You have a pile of local hits if you search Google with this:<br /><br /> fuel marine flowmeter site:.au

 

[POINTER94]

Re: Mercruiser Fuel Consumption

If you are going to use this vessel for long trips a flowscan should be on your list just behind a vhf and a gps. You can occasionally find them on E-bay but make sure you identify the correct model for your engine. Not every unit is set up to work with every engine.<br /><br />The technology for the flowscan began in the aircraft industry and they (from my experience) are very accurate and dependable.<br /><br />Virtually impossible to estimate a guess on someone's boat you have never inspected. Good Luck!!!

 

[POINTER94]

Re: Mercruiser Fuel Consumption

If you are going to use this vessel for long trips a flowscan should be on your list just behind a vhf and a gps. You can occasionally find them on E-bay but make sure you identify the correct model for your engine. Not every unit is set up to work with every engine.<br /><br />The technology for the flowscan began in the aircraft industry and they (from my experience) are very accurate and dependable.<br /><br />Virtually impossible to estimate a guess on someone's boat you have never inspected. Good Luck!!!