Fuel usuage 330 ss
- Thread starter HVAC
- Start date
My .02 worth.
I just can't get overly concerned with fuel use of a vessel (or truck for that matter) unless there is a problem that needs repaired. Trucks are built to work and ya gotta feed the horses when they work. Exact same for a boat. Unless there is a design flaw or set up mess to avoid, a boat is built to push its own weight in water and that takes FUEL. If you want to dance ya gotta pay the fiddler.
That being said...I'm not a Volvo fan but I don't know of any fuel debocles with that setup. Besides Volvo has a very good track record with it's drives. Problem of course. Everyone does, but statisticaly Volvo has a good program on drives.
Happy boating ;D
I just can't get overly concerned with fuel use of a vessel (or truck for that matter) unless there is a problem that needs repaired. Trucks are built to work and ya gotta feed the horses when they work. Exact same for a boat. Unless there is a design flaw or set up mess to avoid, a boat is built to push its own weight in water and that takes FUEL. If you want to dance ya gotta pay the fiddler.
That being said...I'm not a Volvo fan but I don't know of any fuel debocles with that setup. Besides Volvo has a very good track record with it's drives. Problem of course. Everyone does, but statisticaly Volvo has a good program on drives.
Happy boating ;D
Per the 2004 Formula Spec Guide. Not the brochure. Factory book. Only spec is twin 6.2 MX MPI BrIII top speed 52-55
RPM MPH GPH
2000 15 10
2500 23 15
3000 29 17
3500 36 21
4000 43 29
4500 49 35
5000 50 46
5250 53 49
Top speed on 8.1 GI DP Volvo 55-58 mph
Hope this helps. 496's in the 370 burn 33 GPH at 3500 rpm.
RPM MPH GPH
2000 15 10
2500 23 15
3000 29 17
3500 36 21
4000 43 29
4500 49 35
5000 50 46
5250 53 49
Top speed on 8.1 GI DP Volvo 55-58 mph
Hope this helps. 496's in the 370 burn 33 GPH at 3500 rpm.
Gurryman
Member
You"ll probably see 1.3 mpg cruising regardless of engine size. more cubes will give higher top speed, but if your concerned with fuel consumption before you even buy the boat, I doubt you'll be running WOT for to long. Try and determine the speed range you'll be operating in, and size accordingly. If it's a used boat, you don't have the option, other than find another boat. Consider how many hours you think you'll run and the range you require. far more important than top speed. IMHO.
When I was researching this boat I found two magazine tests on it One in Powerboat magazine and one in power boat tests. One tested a 330 with small blocks and one with big blocks. I realize this is not an exact measure since they did not do them back to back but the big blocks got substantialy better fuel milage at cruise speeds than the small blocks. The small blocks did win out in w.o.t. milage but as Gurryman said, how often will you be running flat out.
If you read between the lines I believe that the fact that the big blocks got better mpg at cruise speeds means that the small blocks are a little over worked which may also speak to their longevity in this boat.
I opted to pass on a great deal on a left over small block model to order a big block model because of that reason.
If you read between the lines I believe that the fact that the big blocks got better mpg at cruise speeds means that the small blocks are a little over worked which may also speak to their longevity in this boat.
I opted to pass on a great deal on a left over small block model to order a big block model because of that reason.
Hey Macjazzy! I noticed that you have a 330, what do you think of the boat? I am moving up from a 21 footer. Can you still go tubing? Kids want to know. Also how many people do you think it will accommodate comfortably. i plan on using it for family and friends during the day, not many overnights. Thanks for your feedback.
I love it. It is very roomy. I moved up from a 25 foot boat. It actually took me a bit longer to get used to docking a twin engine boat than I thought it would. Everyone seems to think that twins will automatically be easier. I think I just had a tough time switching my mind set from a single to twins. I have had boats for almost 18 years, all singles before I got this one.
I know a guy who has the same boat and he tubes with it. It is a bit big for my taste for that but if you have a space with enough open water and no other boats to worry about, because you will need a bit more space than a 21 footer to turn around and pick up a dropped tuber, then it should do fine for that. Will make monster wakes, thats for sure, so, good for tubes not so good for skiers.
As far as people on your boat, I haven't really loaded it up, I didn't get it till last july. But I think if every one sits down and you are going for a cruise you probably have room for ten, however if you are spending the day out and want to tube and everyone will be up and about all day probably 6-7 would be more comfortable. It is a wide boat so it makes for more space in the cockpit but you do have to remember the cabin takes up alot of length and is probably not someplace you will spend alot of time as far as entertaining guests. It will be for people to take a break out of the sun or use the head or make a quick sandwich etc.
If you plan on loading it up like that, that is another reason for big blocks.
I do love this boat though. It is fun and extremely comfortable to drive and just hang out on, and it attracts alot of attention out on the water. What color are you getting?
I know a guy who has the same boat and he tubes with it. It is a bit big for my taste for that but if you have a space with enough open water and no other boats to worry about, because you will need a bit more space than a 21 footer to turn around and pick up a dropped tuber, then it should do fine for that. Will make monster wakes, thats for sure, so, good for tubes not so good for skiers.
As far as people on your boat, I haven't really loaded it up, I didn't get it till last july. But I think if every one sits down and you are going for a cruise you probably have room for ten, however if you are spending the day out and want to tube and everyone will be up and about all day probably 6-7 would be more comfortable. It is a wide boat so it makes for more space in the cockpit but you do have to remember the cabin takes up alot of length and is probably not someplace you will spend alot of time as far as entertaining guests. It will be for people to take a break out of the sun or use the head or make a quick sandwich etc.
If you plan on loading it up like that, that is another reason for big blocks.
I do love this boat though. It is fun and extremely comfortable to drive and just hang out on, and it attracts alot of attention out on the water. What color are you getting?
Macjazzy, The boat is flagship aquamarine . It does not have the generator or the windlass, yet everthing else. My wife is more concerned with the gas usage and upkeep( storage, winterizing,general maintenace, etc.) compared to the old boat. Larger boat = more expense, I say. It is a great boat, I am just trying to guesstimate average costs to satisfy THE BOSS Thanks for your insight into this I really do appreciate the feedback. I would hate to hear" I told you so" all summer!! or longer for that matter.
Thanks for your insight into this I really do appreciate the feedback. I would hate to hear" I told you so" all summer!! or longer for that matter.HVAC,
If your 21 was a single, you can double the cost of winterization wether you do it yourself or have a marina do the engines and drives. Then add a few gallons of pink antifreeze for the water system and AC. Your done As for storage just add the per foot price.
As for fuel, like everyone says, it depends on how you use it. I look at it this way. If the cost of a gallon goes up 50 cents and I use 1000 gallons this summer thats only $500 more for the summer enjoyment. If you burn 33 gallons per hour, that will burn up 33 hours or 999 gallons of fuel. Thats how I look at it.
PS. I will burn about 600 (30 gph at 30 MPG) gallons on my annual trip to Baltimore from AC :
If your 21 was a single, you can double the cost of winterization wether you do it yourself or have a marina do the engines and drives. Then add a few gallons of pink antifreeze for the water system and AC. Your done
As for storage just add the per foot price. As for fuel, like everyone says, it depends on how you use it. I look at it this way. If the cost of a gallon goes up 50 cents and I use 1000 gallons this summer thats only $500 more for the summer enjoyment. If you burn 33 gallons per hour, that will burn up 33 hours or 999 gallons of fuel. Thats how I look at it.
PS. I will burn about 600 (30 gph at 30 MPG) gallons on my annual trip to Baltimore from AC :
I hate to say it but I way underestimated the expense on my boat when I upsized. Even though I try and do most of the maintenance myself. For instance here is a fee I never considered, Haul out fee. I now have to pay $300 bucks evey time I need or want to get the boat out of the water. And guess what, When it is time to put it back in...$300 more. When you have a trailer you don't even consider that. That fee in particular always pisses me off and has almost convinced me to buy my own trailer even though the boat is too wide to legally tow.
Three hundred bucks for 5 minutes of work each way in and out of the water is obscene. But then what fee isn't in this industry. And before everyone bashes me, I understand they are in the business to make money and they have to pay for the overhead of an expensive hoist etc.. Except in the case of my boat the dealer does not have a hoist big enough to pick it up so they just use a regular boat trailer. I know because I am the one who drives my boat up onto the trailer. BAM! 300 bucks out the window, just like that. I can't even begin to count how many times I have driven my old boats onto a trailer for free!
And the last time the mechanic who was driving my boat and their trailer the one block from the ramp to their lot told me next time he would like to use my truck to pull it because the shop truck barely has enough power to pull it up the ramp!
Wonder how much of a discount they will give me for that? mmmmm....wait a minute I already know because I asked them, $0
Three hundred bucks for 5 minutes of work each way in and out of the water is obscene. But then what fee isn't in this industry. And before everyone bashes me, I understand they are in the business to make money and they have to pay for the overhead of an expensive hoist etc.. Except in the case of my boat the dealer does not have a hoist big enough to pick it up so they just use a regular boat trailer. I know because I am the one who drives my boat up onto the trailer. BAM! 300 bucks out the window, just like that. I can't even begin to count how many times I have driven my old boats onto a trailer for free!
And the last time the mechanic who was driving my boat and their trailer the one block from the ramp to their lot told me next time he would like to use my truck to pull it because the shop truck barely has enough power to pull it up the ramp!
Wonder how much of a discount they will give me for that? mmmmm....wait a minute I already know because I asked them, $0
I bought a 330 w/496 mags and my understanding is that fuel consumption out of the hole is greater and thats about it. While its a bigger engine than the 6.2 its working less. While coming from a dealer he said it wasn't alot more GPH once you got over 3000 rpms than the 6.2, he also noted the best mileage was around 3300rpm which was 33-36mph +/-. You can take that for what its worth, I cannot give any additional info b/c I have not had the boat in the water yet, heck I won't even see it until May.
Some have pointed out what I learned when I was boat shopping. Big Blocks get better GPH in most ranges especially cruise than small blocks do. That is generally true for single or double engines. Look up any dealer spec page and anyone can see for themselves.
Only the "market boat sellers" try to squeeze customers into small block sales because there is more money to be made on the sale, financing is easier and the boat is easier to resell with small engines. The argument is that "the big engine will use more gas" to discourage a customer from researching on their own. Oh yea and "the big engine costs more" "that is a special order" "if you buy a big engine then I will have a hard time selling it again when you trade it back in five years"
The audible decibels of a big block is much quieter at cruise too. That is a major plus for me.
Big blocks are more stable ride in the water and live longer.
I passed up a great deal on a brand new boat and bought a brand new truck and an old boat with a big block. ;D
Only the "market boat sellers" try to squeeze customers into small block sales because there is more money to be made on the sale, financing is easier and the boat is easier to resell with small engines. The argument is that "the big engine will use more gas" to discourage a customer from researching on their own. Oh yea and "the big engine costs more" "that is a special order" "if you buy a big engine then I will have a hard time selling it again when you trade it back in five years"
The audible decibels of a big block is much quieter at cruise too. That is a major plus for me.
Big blocks are more stable ride in the water and live longer.
I passed up a great deal on a brand new boat and bought a brand new truck and an old boat with a big block. ;D
YOU GUYS HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD. WEIGHT VERSES CUBIC INCHES, YOU CANNOT BEAT A BIG BLOCK. SMALLBLOCK OWNERS HAVE A HARD TIME GETTING ON PLANE WITH A BOATLOAD OF PEOPLE, LOADED WITH WATER AND FUEL.
WHEN MY FORMULA WAS NEW, I HAD 21 PEOPLE ONBOARD FOR THE FIRST PARTY. MOST PEOPLE WERE OTHER BOATERS. GOT UPON PLANE WITH NO EFFORT, AND CRUISED AT 45 MPH. YOU SHOULD OF SEEN THE OPEN MOUTHS. NOBODY COULD BELIEVE THAT A 18,000 POUND BOAT COULD GET UP AND GO.
WHEN MY FORMULA WAS NEW, I HAD 21 PEOPLE ONBOARD FOR THE FIRST PARTY. MOST PEOPLE WERE OTHER BOATERS. GOT UPON PLANE WITH NO EFFORT, AND CRUISED AT 45 MPH. YOU SHOULD OF SEEN THE OPEN MOUTHS. NOBODY COULD BELIEVE THAT A 18,000 POUND BOAT COULD GET UP AND GO.
I think the big block vs small block is over blown, there are a lot of factors that affect boat performance. I have the small block and have not noticed any drop in performance and hole shot from my old bowrider which was much lighter, I also had the boat out with 4 people and 11 people and did not notice any drop in performance or cruising speed. Just compare performance numbers on Formula to other boats with same size and engine configueration and you will see how Formula just has better performance even with the added weight of the boat.
If you compare small block to big block performance, you'll find that they achieve the same cruising speed within very close RPMs. You get faster hole shot with the big block but cruising you will be about the same and gas burn just a bit better with the small block overall.
If you compare small block to big block performance, you'll find that they achieve the same cruising speed within very close RPMs. You get faster hole shot with the big block but cruising you will be about the same and gas burn just a bit better with the small block overall.
One more point is the weight of the engine, it adds about 155lbs per engine which will negate some of the additional torque and horsepower added by the big block with it sitting in the stern. On top of that, a lot less room work around the engine with the big blocks.
6.2MX Horizon Bravo III
Total Weight (lbs./kg): Bravo Three: 1070/486
496Mag Bravo III
Total Weight (lbs./kg): Bravo Three: 1225/557
6.2MX Horizon Bravo III
Total Weight (lbs./kg): Bravo Three: 1070/486
496Mag Bravo III
Total Weight (lbs./kg): Bravo Three: 1225/557
I have been a certified master mechanic for 17 years. I started in my field wholly sold on small blocks. Then I started working for a drag racer who preached "there is no replacement for displacement" to which I flatly rejected. After working with big blocks for several years and screening a lot of data regarding performance and weight both on the road and in the water I can say I will NOT have a small block in my boat. Nothing wrong with SB especially for you guys who like them but the actual data and results of the BB vs the SB I can say the only thing that satisfies me for gph, mph, audible db's and stability in rough water is a BB. ;D
It is all about what works best for the person buying the boat and how they will use it. I never thought about it as SB vs BB but what will work better and how I want to use the boat. The SB been oout there and has proven itself, I had it in my old boat and done just fine for me and so far no complaints.