Gas?

[Anglinarcher]

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I think the over-60 mph boats will be even fewer and further between as well, and you will see an increase in boats that top out in the 30s, using motors less than half the hp of what is common now.

E

Perhaps, but safety and mobility will always be more important than saving $$.

I went from one of the sub 60 HPs to a larger one, simply because I want to fish big water, at distances from the ramps that I can't get to with small boats, therefore small motors.

Fishing is my sanity, my therapy. It will always cost less then the cost of a shrink.

[Anglinarcher]

A side note on fuel. Buying special additives, additives that just happen to be sold at the dealers place, send up a big red flag for me. They are told to up-sell, every last one of them, so you figure it out yourself.

Now, fuel grade, it is true that the fuel you buy at Brand X came out of the same pipe line, and often the same truck, as Brand Y. I have seen delivery trucks from competing brands delivering to each other. So, are their additives different, again, figure it out yourself.

Next item, standard grade fuel verses mid grade verses premium - check your owners manual! If your motor has EFI, which means it has a computer on it, than it probably is designed for regular gas. If you use higher octane gas, you do not get better economy or performance, you get a richer mix (lower performance) to keep the combustion rates controlled so you don't destroy your engine by detonation. If you do not have EFI, then the owners manual will tell you what to use, and most of the time it will be regular. Nevertheless, look at the manual and "figure it out for yourself".

I will never fault anyone for using a higher grade of fuel than is suggested, and if you like a name brand fuel, well that is why they advertise. But be advised, if your owners manual tells you to use a mid grade or premiun and you use regular, it can harm your engine. If your owners manual tells you to use regular gas, and you use a higher octane gas, and you don't have EFI, your performance will be lacking.

But, to each his own, "you can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make him drink".

[hewesfisher]

Good points AA, but I want to comment on additives. I don't condone or use additives anywhere except in my boat. First, the mechanic told me it was wise and was his personal mantra for his boat powered with the exact same motor as mine. Ok, credibility went up a notch. Second, his logic for using the specified additives isn't based on upselling, it's based on what works. Credibility went up another notch. It's pretty cheap insurance in my mind, and in my case, I never have an issue when I take my boat out. The motor fires right up no matter how long it's been since the last time I was on the water.

I refuse to pay $70 - $80/hr labor to clean and/or service my fuel system from using poor quality or stale fuel. The additives are cheap and go a long way. Peace of mind is everything to me.

I agree with you wholeheartedly on fuel grade. Use the fuel recommended in your owner's manual, and forget convetional hearsay. Engines, whether they be automotive, marine, aviation, etc., see no benefit from using higher grade fuel than designed to run with unless there are other issues at play. If your engine manufacturer says to use regular grade fuel and you run premium, you're simply wasting money because the engine can't utilize the increase octane in the fuel. If you can tell a difference by running a higher grade fuel in an engine designed to run on regular, it's time for a tune-up or diagnostic to find out why. The only exception to this might be eninges with lots of hours or miles on them and suffer from a lack of volumetric efficiency.

I use the fuel grade specified in my owner's manual for both my motors, nothing more.

[Easy Limits]

It is my understanding that all gas is the same when it goes in to the gas truck at the refinery. The difference is what additives, like Techron, are added to the gas before the gas truck leaves the refinery.

I only use Chevron Supreme in my Merc 50 Hp 4 stroke EFI.

[AdsBot [Google]]

Good points AA, but I want to comment on additives. I don't condone or use additives anywhere except in my boat. First, the mechanic told me it was wise and was his personal mantra for his boat powered with the exact same motor as mine. Ok, credibility went up a notch. Second, his logic for using the specified additives isn't based on upselling, it's based on what works. Credibility went up another notch. It's pretty cheap insurance in my mind, and in my case, I never have an issue when I take my boat out. The motor fires right up no matter how long it's been since the last time I was on the water.

I refuse to pay $70 - $80/hr labor to clean and/or service my fuel system from using poor quality or stale fuel. The additives are cheap and go a long way. Peace of mind is everything to me.

I agree with you wholeheartedly on fuel grade. Use the fuel recommended in your owner's manual, and forget convetional hearsay. Engines, whether they be automotive, marine, aviation, etc., see no benefit from using higher grade fuel than designed to run with unless there are other issues at play. If your engine manufacturer says to use regular grade fuel and you run premium, you're simply wasting money because the engine can't utilize the increase octane in the fuel. If you can tell a difference by running a higher grade fuel in an engine designed to run on regular, it's time for a tune-up or diagnostic to find out why. The only exception to this might be eninges with lots of hours or miles on them and suffer from a lack of volumetric efficiency.

I use the fuel grade specified in my owner's manual for both my motors, nothing more.

I have never seen an owner’s manual that endorses any particular type of additive in gasoline. The only mention of additives is in regards to lubrication. Why do they recommend particular additives in lubrication and yet not mention additives for the combustion chamber? Do you think its possible they designed their product around the fuels we use daily? Remember, those engines come with a warranty and I know those manufactures are not in the business of replacing costly injection systems. They believe in the fuels why don’t you. Don’t be like that last fish that fell for your bait – don’t get hooked on promotional gimmicks.

[Easy Limits]

Some motor manufacturers require the addition of additives to the fuel, some don't. When I had a Yamaha 15HP 4 stroke the owners manual said to add Ring Free Lubricant to the gas. My Merc 50HP doesn't require any additives. Read your owners manual carefully.

I do stay away from gas that has 10% ethanol, such as Arco.

[Gisteppo]

Ethanol blend is required by the state and federal agencies during parts of the year, regardless of where you purchase it, for air quality standards (generally winter).

E

[hewesfisher]

Remember, those engines come with a warranty and I know those manufactures are not in the business of replacing costly injection systems. They believe in the fuels why don’t you. Don’t be like that last fish that fell for your bait – don’t get hooked on promotional gimmicks.

I don't have a fuel injected motor on my boat, both of them are carbed, one a 90hp, and the other a 6hp. When a life-long Mercury mechanic (and I'm talking an "older gentleman" like myself) tells me his secret to long engine life, based on numerous engines he's worked on, personal experience, and ways to preclude future maintenance issues, I listen.

While what you are saying may be true for fuel injected 4-stroke motors, that doesn't necessarily hold for carbed 2-strokes like my 90hp.

But, as you say, get hooked on whatever you like. I will continue with my current practice as I believe it's best for my motors. It's ok if you disagree with me but you won't change my opinion. ;-)