Even fast idle (1K rpms) is incredibly efficient on both the FICHT and Etec motors.
One of my parishioners recently repowered his 31 Fountain from the original twin '96 225 Saltwater Mercs to new (leftover) 2013 T/250 Etecs. He says his Lowrance HDS9 tells him his reported fuel flow works out to getting about 7.2 mpg at a combined 1K rpm's at 8.1 mph, and 2.6-2.8 mpg at 3500 rpms/33-34 mph.
(On my recommendation, he bought Powertech PTC4 14.25x23 props, and loves everything about about them except he isn't happy with their performance in close-quarter maneuvering: he says, "they won't back down for sh$t!")
He said the Mercs got 1.7-1.8 mpg at about the same cruising speed, and he "guesses" he got about 3 to 3.5 mpg at fast idle trolling speeds.
That's a 60% - 65% increase in fuel economy at cruise, and more than a 100% increase at trolling speeds.
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Common Sense is learning from your mistakes. Wisdom is learning from the other guy's mistakes.
Fr. Frank says:
Jesus liked fishing, too. He even walked on water to get to the boat!
Currently without a SeaCraft 
(2) Pompano 12' fishing kayaks
'73 Cobia 18' prototype "Casting Skiff", 70hp Mercury
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