Fuel economy

[Lotus 50]

For those with fuel economy gages, what's the best mpg you have seen? Does it work like a car would, big prop on the edge of lugging the motor?

 

[Jr in Jax]

I have both a FloScan meter plus the Mercury Smart monitor and high manifold pressure/low RPM makes 1 MPG difference in fuel burn. The N.A. four strokes [like aircraft powerplants] get much better economy with high manifold pressures.

 

[silverbullet02]

I don't have a meter, but on my 2003/225pm it gets generally around 4mpg, plus or minus a little. I reset my trip odometer when I fill up just like I do in the car. I have noticed for just cruising around with no real speed, prop doesn't seem to have much of an effect on it. Many times in the summer with people and a rough lake I'll just run my 23 trophy so the motor isn't working as hard back there.

 

[xb03]

225pm 4mpg Average
280 1-3.5 mpg depending on foot
300xs no less than 6mpg running hard.
I found for cruising 26p 4 blade seemed more efficient than a 30p, with only 1-2mph difference at cruse speed.

 

[ROBERT CROSS]

200xs...40mph cruise, 5-7mpg depending on water conditions. 14 3/4” X 26 R QIV OT
Disclaimer... a lot of our 'cruise' is done in a 3-5mph current.
Bob

 

[G Allen]

XTB-21 225 promax at high altitude easy 4 mpg at 50-ish mph. Same prop as RC.