[Doggydaddy]

Trying to figure out the optimum fuel efficency for the 200 Evinrude E Tek without forking out bucks for a flow meter.

 

[iFishMD]

Forrest,

Optimal fuel efficiency varies so much boat to boat, power to power, weight to weight, prop to prop, engine height, etc. You can get a fuel flow meter for fairly cheap and it may more than pay for itself over time if you chose to use it. One thing I have found with my boats and having fuel flow meters is that one of the things that greatly helps fuel economy is making sure you are propped correctly. Over propping generally leads to much worse fuel economy. I was told the rule of thumb is to make sure you are propped to turn within 200 rpms of the max recommended rpm by the engine manufacturer. Good luck

Greg

 

[27 sailfish]

Rule of thumb - most 2 strokes get the best MPG at about 3,800-4,200 RPM.

I have fuel flow on my boat and it does best at 4,000 RPM most days.There is not a huge differance in the flow- I get 1.5 - 1.8 mpg from 3,200 - 4,200 RPM. After 4,200 - it gets ugly .WOT sucks some fuel.

Use your ear- you will hear when the motor is "happy". Be sure to watch your GPS for speed and try to trim the motor as high as you can before losing speed.

Flow scans have come down in price and they will help save a few gallons here/there.Added up over a few years - you will recoup the cost.

I love knowing EXACTLY how much fuel I have used and more important, how much is left :thumbup:.

 

[Doggydaddy]

Thanks for the advice , guess I had better shop around for one.

 

[iFishMD]

$118.00 for the one I have. see here: NORTHSTAR F210 DIGITAL FUEL DISPLAY W/ SINGLE ENGINE KIT Flo scans are the best but cost a lot more. The Northstar isnt accurate below 1.5gph. It is best used for cruising efficiency.

If your motor is NEMA200 compatible, I would go with the lowrance unit for not much more and hook it in to the ECU of the motor for best accuracy.
FUEL FLOW METERS:

Of course you could spend the big bucks and get Bombardiers digial guages which will give you a ton of information but will probably cost a pretty penny. (I think it is a couple grand for the Honda digital package... I can think of other things to spend the money on first)

 

[Doggydaddy]

Greg thats our problem as well, big list & a tad short on funds, maybe after I go back to work.
Thanks
Forrest