Fuel range

[Dawgs]

I have a 2520 with a Honda 225 4-stroke. Does anyone know the miles per gallon? Just a ballpark figure is fine

 

[DaleH]

I'd say 2.3 to 2.5 at cruise, roughly 25mph +/- 1.

 

[warthog5]

Depends on the Seas also. I'd figure it low 2.0MPG, as you have no equipment to verify it. Then use the 1/3 there, 1/3 Back and 1/3 reserve method.

I get 2.5MPG inside and loaded. Open Gulf and 1 to 2ft seas. I get 2.0MPG loaded.

Hint: Fuel management equipment is worth the money. It will help you trim your boat better and you'll always be striving to squeek that little extra MPG out of the boat.

 

[TWOBOATER]

I agree with Warthog. I have used a fuel flow meter on a friends I/O, hooked up to his Garmin GPS. It's super accurate and helps you find the best speeds and trim to maximize MPG. Very worthwhile accessory.

 

[Megabyte]

A fuel flow computer will be one of the best investments you will make.
Knowing your GPH flow in any sea state that you encounter is way better than trying to figure (statute) MPG.

Knowing how many gallons you burn per hour at cruise can translate directly to nautical miles traveled with your GPS set to knots.
Your fuel computer can track that fuel usage over time and report exactly how many gallons have been used, and how many are left in the tank.
Remember, your GPS charts are calibrated in nautical miles, which is why your speed should be set to knots.

Travel one hour at a speed of 20 knots, and you will go 20 nautical miles in an hour.
Statute miles and MPH are fine on land, but do not translate correctly in the water (and on your GPS screen) if you mix the two.

Hope this makes sense.

 

[Ludicrous40]

Hey guys,

On this topic I've heard several members saying that going to the large tabs (24"x 9" or similar) resulted in the best overall performance upgrade on their boats. But overall we talk about tabs being used to adjust for sea questions, not necessarily for performance.....
So my question is this: "are you seeing a fuel economy improvement by slightly deploying the wider tabs in calm seas?"

Thanks

Rob

 

[Megabyte]

So my question is this: "are you seeing a fuel economy improvement by slightly deploying the wider tabs in calm seas?"

In a word... Yes.

But, it's a bit more than that, which is why a fuel computer can help in that aspect.
Noting the fuel burn in GPH as it relates to RPM, speed, and the sea state will allow you to fine tune to tabs to suit.

The converse of that (larger tabs) will allow you to slow down and still remain on plane as the seas go to hell.
My boat will stay on plane as low as 9 kts while not beating the boat (or me) up, which works for me. :wink:

 

[DaleH]

FWIW I run an intelligent fuel computer that gives a direct economy readout in nMPG. With that, I have been able to dial in up to 20% improvement in fuel economy, but smart tab deployment, than I would have know about w/out using tabs. FACT IS ... wider tabs are more efficient than tabs set deeper off the hull. Go as wide as you can go, within reason.

In a choppy sea off one quarter of the bow, I'll raise the side to the slop/chop up and limit the weather side and have seen great improvement. So much so, that I opine that one tab set deeper is more efficient than 2 tabs set not as deep. Always be cautious though, as you may be putting a heel into your running attitude.

Also using the fuel computer, if/when running at headway speeds, I'll trimmy OB way up and out ... and I may see a 50% economy improvement, as where my OB is in a bracket, I've pulled the LU bulb up and behind the hull instead of projecting 'under' it.

 

[Ludicrous40]

I do have the fuel computer now with the new E-Tec 300. Awesome to have power and real-time feedback, but I am always looking to make her more efficient, and is the reason I was inquiring about the tabs. I can get about 2 gph now with the big 3 blade (3x15.8x15), and was wondering if the tabs will also improve that.

For now, I'm not planning to do the tab upgrade this winter. Looking forward to a "keep it simple" off season with minor upgrades. When I do move forward on that, I need to fill the pockets in the hull as I have the version where the tabs are recessed. Maybe next winter......

 

[Megabyte]

Tabs will always improve performance and economy.
Don't put it off. Do it this winter.

 

[Ludicrous40]

Dale, you said:

In a choppy sea off one quarter of the bow, I'll raise the side to the slop/chop up and limit the weather side

.

Are you saying you raise the bow on the side that the chop is coming from, and not the opposite of that? With the chop pushing the attitude of the boat, I would think the reverse.....

 

[warthog5]

What Dale said......You raise that side to keep the slop off your windshield.

 

[HOTPURSUIT]

Well in following this post you guys have talked me in to adding a fuel flow sensor to my lowrance NMEA 2000 network, looked into it and about $150.00 for the sensor and $50 for the red to blue adaptor, should take all of a 1/2 hour to install. Thanks Mike

 

[juniorg]

Dale I have a 2014 2320 with a 300 yammie. I was wondering what size tabs u would recommend upgrading to and do I need different actuators?

 

[Megabyte]

juniorg... I fit 24x9 Bennetts to my 2520.
The only advice I can give you is to fit the widest ones you can comfortably get on your transom.

 

[juniorg]

Megabyte do u have any photos of the upgrade?

 

[Megabyte]

Megabyte do u have any photos of the upgrade?

I do, though the quality isn't great. These are old photos.

First photo is from 2003 at her sea-trial.
She was wearing a pair of 12x12 Boat Levelers that didn't work as the APU had failed and pumped the bilge full of ATF.

Second photo was taken shortly after the Boat Levelers were removed and the 24x9 Bennetts were installed.

Third photo is a close-up taken about 4 or 5 years ago during spring commissioning after the bottom had been painted.

Hope this helps.

 

[warthog5]

The trend is to now go 30 X 9's, but I have 24 X9's also.

Now I HIGHLY suggest you spend the extra money and get the kit with EIC "Electronic Indicator Control".

This is a VERY good price.....
http://www.hodgesmarine.com/Bennett-30x ... 309eic.htm

This gives you control and indicator.....All in one. Wished I'd put this on mine. Mine has separate switch and indicator.

 

[juniorg]

Looks good thanks guys def planning the upgrade this winter.

 

[Flyliner]

Does the 30x9 apply to transom mounted outboards too?