Real World Fuel Consumption on 263 and 293....post 'em up

[TechieTechie]

I thought it might be helpful for folks considering older Cobalts to know about fuel consumption. It might be unimportant to some (given Cobalt's price point) but may be important to others. So let's post 'em up.

1. Year and Model
2. Engine/Drives/Props
3. Weighted (full tank, lightly loaded)
4. Location/Conditions (Lake Erie v. a placid lake could result in different ##)
5. Average speed
6. NMPG (nautical miles per gallon)

Always in search of more data Techie

[akorcovelos]

1. 1996 252
2. 454/B3/24p 3x3
3. 6000 lbs (full tank, lightly loaded)
4. Fox Chain/cross wake chop
5. 40 mph
6.

252Specs.JPG

[TechieTechie]

Thanks...Is that from Boat Test? I've seen something similar for a 293.

But I'm wondering what folks' actual numbers are. My understanding they can very from Boat Test.

[akorcovelos]

From Boatingmag.com, but same thing. It's pretty accurate, as long as I keep the captains calls closed, divide by 2 with them open.

[okielaker]

From Boatingmag.com, but same thing. It's pretty accurate, as long as I keep the captains calls closed, divide by 2 with them open.

Wait... running with captains call on loud cuts your nmpg in half?

[akorcovelos]

From Boatingmag.com, but same thing. It's pretty accurate, as long as I keep the captains calls closed, divide by 2 with them open.

Wait... running with captains call on loud cuts your nmpg in half?

Nothing to do with the captain call, other than hearing a big block sing makes me run WOT constantly. I don’t pay attention to nmpg when I’m running 55+ all day long.

[okielaker]

From Boatingmag.com, but same thing. It's pretty accurate, as long as I keep the captains calls closed, divide by 2 with them open.

Wait... running with captains call on loud cuts your nmpg in half?

Nothing to do with the captain call, other than hearing a big block sing makes me run WOT constantly. I don’t pay attention to nmpg when I’m running 55+ all day long.

Understood.. there's something about that growl....

[TechieTechie]

Focus, here, people, focus

[Ytmsn]

Well, the old saying goes...

[akorcovelos]

Focus, here, people, focus

Yeah...we’re kinda bad at that. I know I come here when I need a break from focusing.

[tgrace98]

As I’ve said in all other threads like this. If you are worried about fuel consumption. You are into the wrong hobby

[Big Block Power]

I think on the open ocean or something like that is not about the money it's planning your next fuel stop?
I go a day of use with the boat then need to fill up.

[Ytmsn]

As I’ve said in all other threads like this. If you are worried about fuel consumption. You are into the wrong hobby

That's the "saying" I'm talking about!

So I shouldn't have put a V8 in my little 210? Now you tell me...

[tgrace98]

I think on the open ocean or something like that is not about the money it's planning your next fuel stop?
I go a day of use with the boat then need to fill up.

Right but what size tank does your 220 have? 40-50gal? Plus I assume that means a ton of water sports

263 and 293 will have at least a 77gal tank. So just cruising you should be about to go 150 knots or more on a tank. I doubt she is planning on going 75 miles out from the shore.

[cmattj]

I’ve done runs to Sacramento with both a Twin and single. 100 mile round trip. With 5 5mph no wake areas.

It was single 502 mpi vs twin 496. Filled both before and after.
22 foot Donzi 502 was 52 gallons ( 1 stop to top off )
Twin 496 32 foot Sunsation was 57 gallons ( no stop for fuel).

1.75 mpg cruising 45 mph ish

I’m not saying twins is better on fuel but I believe they are equal as less throttle is required to maintain cruise speed.


Getting a 293 single vs twins would be equally the same I believe.

I’m at about the same with my 282 with twin 496 ( 1.8 mpg) at 40-50 mph avg....depends how I drive her obviously