Best rpm for gas mileage

[Kinchyle]

Anyone know the best rpm range for getting best gas mileage.

6000 rpms keeps me around 50 mph. I was thinking that was a pretty good cruise range.

I'm looking for a good rpm number for cruising long distances.

[Jarrett]

I think someone tested it in a magazine and found 6000 was the magic number.

[Kinchyle]

I found it at boattest.com

The magic number is 25% throttle which is 35.9mph stock and gives 12.82 miles per gallon. Wow that is 204 miles a tank!!!
I think I'll go 40-50 when cruising

Throttle MPH Knots Total GPH MPG NMPG Range NM Range dBa
10% 5.0 4.3 .9 5.56 4.83 80 69
25% 35.9 31.2 2.8 12.82 11.15 183 160
50% 47.8 41.5 5.0 9.55 8.3 137 119
75% 60.7 52.7 15.5 3.91 3.4 56 49
100% 65.5 56.9 17.4 3.76 3.27 54 47


Speeds measured with Stalker ProSports radar gun. Fuel consumption (gallons per hour) measured with Floscan digital fuel-flow meter on gas inboards, sterndrives, and outboards, TechMate electronic scan tool on gas EFI inboards, Caterpillar digital fuel-flow meter on diesel engines, or permanently installed fuel-monitoring equipment. Range is based on 90% of published fuel capacity. Sound levels determined using Radio Shack digital decibel meter on A scale. 68 dbA is the level of normal conversation.

Performance Chart

Test Conditions

Time To Plane: 1.2 secs
0 to 30: 2.2 secs
Test Power : 1x215hp Rotax Waterjet
Transmission: Direct Drive
Ratio: 1.0:1
Props: Stainless Steel Impeller
Load: 1 person; 1/2 fuel;0 water; 0 gear;
Climate: 80.7 degrees; 79% RH; 4.2mph wind; minimal chop; salt water