posted 05-10-2009 11:45 AM ET (US)        

Yesterday, before I launched my boat, I decided to swing by the gas station and fill the tank. The Flo-Scan fuel totalizer indicated that I had used 74.2 gallons of fuel since the last time I topped off.

The pump shut of at 74.041 gallons which is perfectly consistent with the other times I have filled the tank.

I have to admit I almost never bother to look at the mechanical under-deck fuel gauge in the tank any more.

I was also pleased to *only* have spent $175 on gas. Admittedly, the tank was only half empty but still, the $2.37 I paid was much less painful than the $4.50 I paid last August.

Yesterday's round trip to Bainbridge Island used 8.4 gallons of fuel. At $2.50/gal (with the oil cost added in) the trip was far more economical than taking car across on the Washington State Ferry.

posted 05-10-2009 07:54 PM ET (US)            

I used to have a FloScan on my Outrage 18 which was powered by a 1983 Johnson 150 and then later, a 1990 Johnson 150.

posted 05-11-2009 07:14 AM ET (US)            

With respect to the Navman F3100 (not sure if you can get one of these anymore, might be able to get as a NorthStar F310), all you need is a GPS unit (cheap or expensive) that can output speed data in the NMEA 0183 protocol.

posted 05-19-2012 11:59 AM ET (US)            

I just filled the tank in my Revenge 25 and the FloScan indicated I had used 136 gallons since the last fill up.

When the fuel nozzle at the gas station tripped, the pump read 136.07 gallons.

posted 05-22-2012 12:35 AM ET (US)            

For instance its helped me a great deal on how to use my engines in a manner where I feel I use them to my advantage or as a tool. Instrument data specifically rpm's and tilt trim as well trim tab settings have a large part in the data that the flow scan measures. This helps a great deal understanding how your boat is operated.

The tank is rather large so its very nice to know for planning trips. Its always good to put a little more in but I can measure a trip and know pretty much what we will burn on average. I wouldn't have a clue without it, too much fuel to manage.

posted 05-22-2012 12:47 PM ET (US)            

http://floscan.com/html/Manuals/TwinScanGPH-LPH.pdf

Yes, my FloScan is a very accurate gas gauge and probably if highest and best use to me now. I almost never bother to look at the mechanical gauge anymore but the totalizer is right in front of me at all times.

If you wonder how I could have run a 140 (useable) gallon tank down to only 4 gallons left, it is only because of the accuracy and reliability of the FloScan which has proved itself to me over the last seven years. I am able to do very precise trip planning and fuel management thanks to this device.

It has also been VERY useful during propeller testing and taught me at what speed I get the best fuel mileage. Thanks to the FloScan, I have learned which of the twelve sets of propellers I have tested on my own 25' Whaler give the best fuel mileage and once I had that figured out I improved my boat's mileage by 15 percent over the time I bought it from its original owner.

[Aside: If you are still running those 14" x 17" Offshores that Royce had on there, they are not good propellers for your boat at ll. You can do much better.}

I highly recommend the installation of a FloScan TwinScan on your boat. I would be happy to assist you with its installation, my schedule allowing.

posted 05-23-2012 10:14 PM ET (US)            

Just kidding, but seriously, looks like this is going to be a lean boating season again over here. Luckily we got into kayaking our coast a few years ago so we are still able to get into the fish, just with a bit of a smaller hit to the pocketbook.

Sorry to hijack this thread a bit but when I read that line in your original post, I started packing my bags for WA until I saw the date of the original post.

posted 05-24-2012 12:22 AM ET (US)            

You brought up fuel prices in the PNW. It's just supply problems, four real McCoy refineries and five truck racks near I5 and wholesale fuel is .25 cents a gallon less expensive in Spokane?

Diesel wholesale .25 cents below unlead. Fill the Trawler.

John