Thanks, Steve, for the very credible analysis. My reason for asking was
estimating the cost of bringing a boat from California to Vancouver Island
(B.C., Can.), approximately 1400 miles, 150 hours. With this fuel
consumption, about $5000-$6000. Although the boat would be a bargain, I'd
blow the savings out the stack. I'll be passing on this deal, I think.
As an aside, I was engineer on a 150 ton packer/towboat for a couple
years in the '90s. She had an Enterprise 6 cyl., air-start, direct reversing
engine. We burned about 20 gph, loaded or light, made 10 kn. steady.

Thanks again,

Don

"Steve Lusardi" wrote in message
...
It depends of quite a few variables you have not stated, but you will do
well with .4 pounds per horsepower hour. Your engines will have constant
speed governors that should have a cap at 2800 rpm. Your engine manual
should state the max rated HP. These engines have ratings between 210 HP
and 400 HP depending on their configuration. Your most efficient cruise
speed should be acheived around 2000 RPM. At this speed you should be
around .6 max (250 x .6 = 150 HP). So, 150 HP x .4 pounds = 60 lbs .
Divide this by 6 pounds per gallon and you have 10 gallons an hour per
engine at cruise. with this, you can work other permutations yourself. But
this theoretical boat with cost you about $50 for every 13 miles you drive
it. Think sail boat, let God blow you about.
Steve

"Old Boat Goat" wrote in message
news:KHu3f.172868$oW2.76925@pd7tw1no...
Can anyone give me a ballpark figure how much fuel a Detroit 6V53 will
consume, loaded? Trying to estimate fuel consumption of twin 6V53s
pushing a 45' hard chine, V-bottom cruiser, 29 gross tons.

TIA

Don