Comments on bassboat gas mileage

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Rob T
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Joined: Tue Jul 12, 2005 2:01 pm

Comments on bassboat gas mileage

Post by Rob T »

Got a new used fiberglass bass boat (first glass boat). Wanted one that my old 6 cyl mitsubishi could tow over the hill from Capitola to the Delta and Clearlake, and that would also get decent gas mileage on the water, so bought an Allison XB2002, 1994 with a Merc. 200XS optimax with modified sportmaster lower unit and custom Mazco prop (was stored in garage and babied by owner, so in amazing condition). My intention was to get rid of the engine and put a 150 or 175 four stroke on the back for optimal mileage. The boat carries three batteries (two big 31 series and a starter) for the 24V MG TM, as well as having a big aerated livewell, Garmin sonar on the front and Lowrance LCS-16 on the console (GPS is way cool!). My other boat is a Tracker ProTeam 185 with 90 HP merc, so I've been spoiled by the awsome gas stinginess of that setup, even fully loaded with two guys it runs at 45 MPH all day all over the delta. I told the guy I bought it from I planned to get rid of the big motor, and he advised me to try the setup on the boat first, saying that if I kept my foot light on the pedal, I'd be pretty happy with the mileage I'd get. While the boat can be fast (94-96 MPH on GPS), I was sceptical. I've been out twice learning to drive the boat - you really have to DRIVE this one above 70 MPH. Surprisingly, if you cruise at 50-60, you can run all over the delta. I launched at Holland, and "toured" from disco to lost Isle to the back of Hog, Fisherman's cut, and back to Holland, and still had gas in the "small" 25 gallon tank. It does suck fuel above 75, and I've only had the cojones to go 85. Let's face it, the Delta is far too crowed and small to routinely run those speeds, but across Mildred or Franks it's a hoot to air it out a bit. Also, it actually fishes pretty darn well, and takes rough water at speed well too. So, for those looking for a boat that will keep up with the big boys, but not kill your wallet, this might be a hull to consider.

Durbin, better get a strap for your hat...

Good luck, and God Bless.

Rob T
Blue_R70
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Joined: Tue Jul 26, 2005 8:43 pm
Location: Norcal

Re: Comments on bassboat gas mileage

Post by Blue_R70 »

Rob T wrote:So, for those looking for a boat that will keep up with the big boys, but not kill your wallet, this might be a hull to consider.
Aint it the other way around? In terms of pure speed, the big boys look to keep up with the Allison hull. The Allison has a racing pedigree!

I'd love to see an Allison fly at WOT. Haven't seen very many out west but I know they're popular in the Southern states amongst the go-fast/scream and fly crowd...
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Sacto John
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Location: Citrus Heights

Re: Comments on bassboat gas mileage

Post by Sacto John »

There is a guy who posts on bass boat central who has an Allison with a 150 OPTI on the back and he gets great gas milage with good top end as well (68 72MPH).

Allis are great for gas consumption because they are so light
Rob T
Posts: 23
Joined: Tue Jul 12, 2005 2:01 pm

If'n yer ignert 'bout how to drive this critter...

Post by Rob T »

she'll spank you good. Yep, your'e right about the go fast crowd - I bought this off a guy who fished the FLW series out of it back in Mississippi and thereabouts. Prior to tourney fishing, he had a Merc race O/B rated at 280 hp on the tail end. I can't imagine what that was like. You gotta be careful in this bote - things get pretty hectic if you hit the throttle too fast and don't trim down properly. She runs real flat compared to other setups, but only has a teensy bit of bote in the water at top end. I'm still putting in seat time to get used to driving her, since she's way more high strung that the tin bote and Ranger I've driven in the past.

Good luck, and God Bless,

Rob T
Blue_R70
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Joined: Tue Jul 26, 2005 8:43 pm
Location: Norcal

Re: If'n yer ignert 'bout how to drive this critter...

Post by Blue_R70 »

Man, I'd be too skeer'd to drive 90+ mph in a bassboat. I don't even think I've ever towed that fast on the freeway...
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Lance
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Re: If'n yer ignert 'bout how to drive this critter...

Post by Lance »

Check this Bullet out, he's flying!!!

<img src="/shared/photos/photos/resized/2899_resized.jpg">
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Bassinlee
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Joined: Sat May 07, 2005 1:54 pm
Location: Berkeley

You want -stupid- fast?

Post by Bassinlee »

I imagine this feller gets about 4 gallons per mile. Yup you heard it right.
:roll:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Nb-Jhkr ... ger%20boat

Bout the right size for Lake Amador, ya think? :shock:

-Bassinlee
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Andy Giannini
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Location: Delta

Re: Comments on bassboat gas mileage

Post by Andy Giannini »

I would not get rid of the motor, just throttle back to 4500 RPMs and sip fuel.

That's going to be a lot cheaper than a new motor, rigging it etc. Plus taking a loss on the old motor.

.02 A.G.

(Sounds like a FUN boat!)
"If you can't win, at LEAST catch the Big Fish!"
Fish Chris
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Re: Comments on bassboat gas mileage

Post by Fish Chris »

> While the boat can be fast (94-96 MPH <

.....that is just mind boggling ! Being a 'male' I'd love having a boat that could go that fast... but not for fishing.... Just, "to go that fast" ! :-)

Speaking of gas milage (very important for a poor guy like me, who fishes too much, and doesn't work enough) I took my new little dreamboat, a G3 V143T, with a Yamaha 25hp 4 stroker, out to Berry shortly after the break in period. Launched at Cappel, headed way up into Puta Creek... then back down to the South end... then over to the Dam... back out to the main lake... then zig zagged East to West, a few times, then back to Cappel. Took less than 3 gallons :-) Great choice if you want to fish 140 days a year, and don't like working too much.

Anyway, hey Rob, have fun in that new rocket, but be safe !

Peace,
Fish
G3 Boats
a Yamaha Boat Company

Okuma fishing tackle

TUF-Line by Western Filament

www.TrophyBassOnly.com
....or from here, find links to
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and Fish Chris Photo .com
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