Saving Fuel In My New Rig

[non-pro-archer]

I just got a 91 champion with a 175 merc, does anyone have tips to get better fuel efficiency? And when I go full throttle it takes a long time to get up on plane, is there anything i can do to help out with that?

[Fishing Rhino]

Trim the motor tilt all the way down.  You may need a different propeller.  You can move weight forward.  However moving weight forward will likely result in lower top end speed.

 

If you have a jack plate that can be trimmed at the helm, raise the motor as high as it will go, in addition to tilting it down.  As soon as the boat starts to get on plane, throttle back and lower the motor to prevent cavitation/ventilation.  Once on plane you can tilt the motor outward to lift the bow.  Again, this is something for which you'll have to develop a "feel". 

 

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=How+to+get+a+boat+up+on+plane&view=detail&mid=4BADAF8EDFADE693AC854BADAF8EDFADE693AC85&first=0&FORM=NVPFVR&qpvt=How+to+get+a+boat+up+on+plane

 

 

For the propeller, you should have a prop that allows the engine to run at, or near the maximum safe operating range at full throttle. 

 

As a last resort, you can add a "whale tail" to the anti-ventilation plate on your outboard.  It will help to lift the stern. 

 

Another trick to help a boat get up on plane is to steer the boat to the left and then back to the right.  It will take a bit of practice to get the hang of it.  What that does is make the side of the boat lift.  If you steer to the right, the left side will rise and help to lift the stern.  Then steer back to the left, and the right side of the boat will rise.  Eventually, you'll get the feel for the best steering tempo, and how much steering input you need.  You don't want to steer full left and then full right, or you'll get no forward momentum. 

 

Sometimes, just a slight bit of turning to the left or right will help get on plane quicker.  One way will work a bit better than the other due to the rotation of the prop.

 

There are so many variables in props, motor trim, weight shifting, etc., that your best bet would be to seek the advice/help of someone with experience in boat handling.

 

Another possibility is that your boat is underpowered.  If that's the case, your best bet is the whale tail, unless you've got the resources (money) to repower with a bigger engine. 

[slonezp]

If you have a Merc SS prop it may have vent plugs, you can remove them 1 at a time and test your on plane time.

[slonezp]

Merc has fuel additives that will improve engine performance. They recommend Quickleen in every tank.

[non-pro-archer]

Thanks for the info guys

[james 14]

Fuel effiiiciency can be helped greatly by not running at WOT. Get the boat on plane and cruise.