Outboard Fuel consumption

[Cruiser2B]

I know it is hard to be exact, but on average what type of fuel consumption can one expect from say a 6hp Tohatsu pushing a 10k lbs classic in fair conditions?

Current Atomic 4 uses 1 gallon/hr and pushes boat along well

[CharlieJ]

Can't speak for the Tohatsu, but my Yamaha 8 pushing Tehani ( roughly 7600 pounds loaded for cruise) at hull speed ( running JUST over the "start' setting on the motor tiller)  will run at just under 1/2 gal per hour. When I had 3 gallon tanks, a tank would last 7 1/2 to 8hours, depending on whether I tried running a tad faster or not. I now use two 6 gallon tanks.

In flat water, no current, like the in  ICW,I figure 15 miles to the gallon :D

The 4 hp Yamaha I had on Necessity would do roughly the same.

I am continually amazed at the economy of these 4 strokers. Running the ICW between here and New Orleans, I used to carry 15 gallons of fuel, plus tanks and filled up EVERY chance I got. Now, I have two 6 gallon tanks, usually with 5 gallons in each, and two 2.5 gallon jugs in the cockpit and may top off once in that run

[DavidCrosby]

Guys,

Thanks for asking and answering that question.  I have been wondering the same.

I sail on Carlyle Lake, IL.  I spend more time sailing and very little motoring. I can get by the whole summer on 3 gallons of gas with my Honda 9.9 4 stroke. 

This winter, I have started planning on doing the Great Loop piece by piece. Since I live in St. Louis, MO Alton, IL would be my logical starting spot. Traveling the Mississippi between Alton and Kentucky Lake does not offer many stops for gas. I figured I would spend a solid day motoring around Carlyle this summer to get an idea of the fuel burn rate. But, it was nice to see this thread now.