GPH numbers on 18' w/ 115

[Tom Bare]

Just got the NAVMAN F41 installed and took her out to make sure it worked. Here's what I found out:

4200 RPM is 6.5 GPH at an even 27 knots [HOH temp 46.5]

4500 RPM is 7.6 GPH at 30 knots

WOT is 5600 RPM at 39 knots and 11.9 GPH

Pitch on prop is 17, motor is a 98' Yamaha 115 salt HOH series with less than half a tank of gas.

I had questioned how large the tank was on an 18, and I gotta say my tank has got to be greater than 30 useable. There have been several occasions I have fished 60-70 miles offshore and had plenty of fuel left upon returning. I have also taken the boat, on numerous occasions, to Walker's Cay from Ft. Pierce. That trip is 102 miles dock to dock. Again, had plenty of fuel to spare.

At 7 gallons per hour and say 30mph, with 30 gallons of fuel gives you a range of about 130 miles or so. There's no way I can run offshore 60 miles, troll all day in the stream and run back in 130 miles. At least not and have a decent amount of fuel left.

My buddy bought the boat new and swears there's a huge tank in it but he casn't remember how big. As old as it is I hate to run it dry to find out.

Any more help would be appreciated- Trayder said he can find no options available other than the standard 30 useable.
Thanks,
Tom.

Tom Bare.