Fuel consumption of 185 H jet boat

[nelmun]

I have a 19 ft 185 H mercury jet engine and was wondering approx. how much fuel an average tuna trip figuring 25 or so miles offshore a boat would consume. I have never traveled that far off shore and would like a ball park figure on fuel consumption. I have a 50 gal tank.

Sincerely

Nelmun

[BornToFish360]

Usually first posts get a intro and story. Welcome to ifish.

[skein]

I'm not going to tell you what you want to hear, but I think what I say would be echoed by most of the others; that's not the right equipment to attempt a tuna run.

Jets are designed to run at speed. That the ONLY efficient time they run. But the ocean oftentimes will not permit speed and efficiency. Many, many times we've slogged our way back, bow up, motor churning, drinking fuel like a sailor on leave. A jet would be a disaster in that case.

Also, we strive for a rule of thirds; return to port with at least 1/3 fuel in reserve. Most of us have tanks large enough to ensure that. You will have to look long and hard to find a boat on the tuna grounds that carries only 50 gals, and that's with a prop, not a jet.

You will be much better to find a friend who has a boat designed for offshore fishing, or stay with charters. Seriously. Or.... you could buy a bigger boat. :grin:
Now how 'bout that story.

Skein

[fishonjon]

I have a jet and it will pass everything but a gas station. No pumps 25 miles out.

[Jaws]

Helloooo Nelmun!

[PoiToy]

ditto what skein says...my buddy has a sportjet....he leaves it at home and rides with me. On the river, that's a different story.

[nelmun]

Originally Posted by skein

I'm not going to tell you what you want to hear, but I think what I say would be echoed by most of the others; that's not the right equipment to attempt a tuna run.

Jets are designed to run at speed. That the ONLY efficient time they run. But the ocean oftentimes will not permit speed and efficiency. Many, many times we've slogged our way back, bow up, motor churning, drinking fuel like a sailor on leave. A jet would be a disaster in that case.

Also, we strive for a rule of thirds; return to port with at least 1/3 fuel in reserve. Most of us have tanks large enough to ensure that. You will have to look long and hard to find a boat on the tuna grounds that carries only 50 gals, and that's with a prop, not a jet.

You will be much better to find a friend who has a boat designed for offshore fishing, or stay with charters. Seriously. Or.... you could buy a bigger boat. :grin:
Now how 'bout that story.

Skein

[Megabites]

I have a 19 foot Alumaweld with a pump. I wanted to fish offshore so I now also own a 26 foot Seacat with twin 150's and 150 gal fuel cap. That should about explain it. Welcome to IFish and don't forget to tell us a story.