Fuel tank in a Seafari

[Fr. Frank]

My tank is 43 gal, not 47. I have a 150/200 hp carb Merc. (150 powerhead, intake and ignition off a 200) I don't know just how much hp I really have, but I am 2-4 mph faster than my friends 20 Master Angler which has a FastStrike 150 Evinrude, even though I have a heavier boat. I do know that at about 35 mph, (4200-4500 rpm), I burn about 9-10 gph. My max rpm with a 14.25"x16.5"P Powertech prop is 6150 rpm's, at 43-44 knots (49-51 mph)
For me to go to the Florida Middle Grounds 75-85 nautical miles off the west coast of Florida requires me to carry extra fuel on the deck, as it's a 94 mile run from Crystal River, one way. 188 nautical miles, divided by 10 gph, equals 38 gallons of fuel, leaving no fuel for fishing and maneuvering and very little fuel reserve. (I like an hour reserve at cruise)
I figure I need about 70 gallons. I usually take 2 filled portable 12 gallon tanks when I run out to the Middle grounds.
My friends think I'm nuts to head 80 miles out to sea in a 20 footer. I say, its a SeaCraft. [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]