Re: at what price do you stop boating
 

Dave, I saw your #'s in another post and your doing phenominal...

Merc's general rule of thumb is H.P. / 12 = gph @ 80% throttle. which in my case works out to 425 / 12 = 35 @ 4,000 and thats about exactly where i'm at... WOT is 5,000 and im guestimating aroung 45 gph.. which seems about right for my 288.. I don't have a flow scan but at 3,800 I have heard my hull gets approx. 2.5 mpg.

Re: at what price do you stop boating
 

I wonder if they come up with those numbers with the engine running on a stand. In real world use, there must be more variables. Hull weight, efficiency, prop pitch.

I arrive at my #'s by dividing the gallons when I fill up by the hours on my hour meter since last fill. Of course it is a mixture of idle, cruise, and WOT. I think this method is pretty accurate. I look at my hour meter when I get to the gas station and can usually guess within a few gallons how much it will take.

Re: at what price do you stop boating
 

I think you skipped over the part in my post about working 16 hours a day,8 at my job and 8 more minimum at my business,Smitty

Re: at what price do you stop boating
 

For the average boater I can see the larger single engines becoming very popular. I remember when gas hit $1.00 and everyone was saying the same thing. When it hit $1.50 a gallon it seemed everyones driving habits changed. No more runs, just to run. More like hit the open water and find a place on the beach to hang out. We run a 26' with a single and at 2.75 a gallon won't have much affect on me and my family.

Re: at what price do you stop boating
 

Today's price .. $ 6.10 .. That's US $ and US gallon.

Still , more boats than ever out every good weekend .... Yeah , I know , not too many like the boats on this board but still it don't get much worse than $6 and change a gallon .

You've got a LONG way to go yet ...

At what price ? I don't think you ever stop ....
cut back a little ? At that price you have to !

Re: at what price do you stop boating
 

Im thinking about doing an engine swap, 454's for a 4 electric trolling motors across the back. Trick is getting my gaffrig shifters wired up to them.

Re: at what price do you stop boating
 

Volvo exec on CNBC today says oil production will peak in 15 to 20 years, and they expect oil prices could be $200 a barrel then!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: at what price do you stop boating
 

$1600!!!!!!!!!!!!! holy crap, that would set me on fire!!!!! I can speak for all here that that would limit boating to only the filthy rich....or those with egg beaters under 150hp. I bet it happens, just think where the prices will be for those across the pond?????!!!!! There will be an altrnative some day and when it happens I will be happy to run them over with my electric hybrid. :D I say if we are going to all be rafting why not buy a pontoon boat....may as well have room for the grill :D

Re: at what price do you stop boating
 

I thought of that. It wouldn't be all bad.

Re: at what price do you stop boating
 

Job hog. All these unemployed people and you have the gall to double dip? :D :D