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In article ,
says...
I had a debate with a friend this morning concerning miles vs gallons
per hour.

I contend that gallons per hour is a more reliable method of
determining how far and fast a boat can/should go. Obviously, my
friend took the opposite viewpoint.

What is the collective wisdom concerning these measure of fuel
efficiency?

Later,

Tom

Actually, as stated I'd have to opine the gallons per hour was almost
right or rather only part of that side of the argument.

I'd would think gallons per hour at X rpm is much more accurate for a
boat. With all the variable forces acting on a boat in motion, hull and
upper works design, wind, or current, for example

A boat at, say, 3500 RPM isn't going to cover the same distance with a
head wind and cross current as a boat with a tail wind and following sea
or one in a dead calm and glass smooth surface. The only constant you
can really use to figure your range at any specific time is the is the
fuel consumption at that RPM rate.

Let's say your favorite fishing grounds is, under ideal conditions, a
two hour run at the boats ideal cursing speed/RPM. That makes things
easy but how often are you going to find ideal conditions that will
allow you to run at your best cruising speed/RPM with no external
variables to figure in. Once you get past the break water the whole
thing is a crap shoot till you get your RPM's up to where you are
getting the best ride. That may or may not be at your ideal cruising
speed, may or may not be covering distance over the ground at the same
speed as you would in ideal conditions. Again, the constant, RPM.

Hell you can't accurately tell what one automobile will really give you
in miles per gallon. It all depends on how much of a lead foot the
driver is, traffic and weather conditions. You take an EPA rating on a
new car and some people are going to be able to better it some not even
get close. That's why they call them estimates and your mileage may
vary.

--
Mike G.
Heirloom Woods

www.heirloom-woods.net