The best fuel economy - outboard on V

[pjbrownva]

Originally Posted by randlemanboater

I had a Johnson (Suzuki) 140 on my V20, cruising in the mid 20's I consistently got 5 statue mpg.

Top speed was 39-40 depending on load.

Mine was a 2003...I would think that technology has progressed in the last 17 years where higher hp motors should be able to match that economy.

Interestingly, my Ranger 250C weighs twice the weight of the V20 and has double the horepower (close anyway).

I get the same top speed but the mpg is exactly half.

I have that exact same motor (Johnson 2003 140 4 stroke) on my V20, and it's awesome. I get about 4 MPG with it... I'm getting some electronics to measure the fuel burn more accurately, but I guess if I kept a log of miles and refuels I wouldn't need the fancy stuff.

Working in my prop. Currently have a 13.5 17" pitch with a lot of rake... looking to go with at 15" pitch with less rake so that the stern comes up more... right now I need to use too much trim on the trim tabs to keep the bow nice and low so that she cuts through the waves.

Once I have it dialed in, I wouldn't be surprised if I see 5 mpg too.

Currently top out at about 30 MPH, but the bottom needs sanding and painting, and I'm over-propped, so I know she'll do more.

The Suzuki's are known for being great on fuel. Can't comment on the Merc 4-strokes, as I don't have any experience.

Also, check the weight of the Suzuki 140... at 410 lbs, she's really light which also helps with fuel burn.

Edit: Just looked up the Merc 4 stroke 150... it's 455 lbs... so about the same pwr to weight ratio as my Zuki.... and it seems like a nice motor too.