Most Efficient Cruising Speed

[rdelie]

Anyone have a 1990-1994 310/330 Sundancer with 7.4L V-drives and fuel flow meters?

I have a 1990 310 Sundancer. I'd like to know what my most efficient cruising speed is. The boat seems to cruise comfortably at 3,000 rpm which is about 26-27mph. I just don't know if this is the most efficient spot. I'll eventually install fuel flow meters, but I was just wondering if someone out there already has the data and would be willing to share.

Thanks.

 

[boater4life]

This may help: http://www.hurleymarine.com/CruiseFormulaWeb.pdf

 

[rdelie]

Thanks. I'll give this a try.

 

[Creekwood]

Anyone have a 1990-1994 310/330 Sundancer with 7.4L V-drives and fuel flow meters?

I have a 1990 310 Sundancer. I'd like to know what my most efficient cruising speed is. The boat seems to cruise comfortably at 3,000 rpm which is about 26-27mph. I just don't know if this is the most efficient spot. I'll eventually install fuel flow meters, but I was just wondering if someone out there already has the data and would be willing to share.

Thanks.

i think you will find that once fully on plane, the mpg efficiency is about the same from that point up to about when your four barrels open. On my 330 that is from 3100 rpm up to about 3500. I don't have fuel flow meters but have enough hrs and time at the fuel dock to be comfortable with that. Once the four barrels open, the incremental fuel consumption is far higher than the benefit of the small increase in speed unless there is some pressing need to get there faster or keep up with a group. Those 7.4s are thirsty when you work them hard.