2004 Shoal Runner Predator jet boat mpg? (motor, gas, fuel, engine)

[R.A.P]

I have a 2004 Shoal Runner Predator with a 350 engine and a 4 barrel carb. The boat is full of power but the mpg stinks, I only get about 2-3. Does anyone else have a Shoal Runner or a Gator boat that can maybe give me some advice on how to get better gas mileage? Also even if you don't own a jet boat please give me your insight.

[piyf]

2-3 at WOT or at lower rpms? Don't expect to get good mpg in a boat. I had a '09 Sea Ray 175 with a little 4 cylinder I/O motor and it didn't get great mileage either if it was in the higher rpms, which is to be expected. You need to find out where your motor is most efficient which can probably be found on the net somewhere.

[WestcoastBrit]

That sounds about right for a 350/carb/jet. My Ultra (496 MAG HO I/O) gets about 3 mpg at 2900/3200 rpm and 1.8/2 mpg at WOT. My Maxum (3LTR/4 I/O) gets 6 mpg cruising and 4 mpg WOT.

[spankys bbq]

When owning a boat or other watercraft, there is no room for complaining about fuel economy. I know. I own 3 jetskis.

The only thing I would reccomend is to go to TrailerBoats.com - Online Articles for the Boating and Watersports Enthusiast and ask around to see if anyone has fuel consumption numbers for your setup. Then find the optimum engine speed for range and economy. Basically, learn to drive the boat. (for efficiency, of course)

[R.A.P]

We've had the boat for a couple of years, and I know how to drive it. We took it to Shoal Runner before they went under and they said we should be getting around 4 to 5. Also I've never had it wide open. We talked to a guy who owns a gator with a 502 and he gets around 5.

[M3 Mitch]

Well, is the engine in good tune, is it running at a reasonable temperature or stone cold? Is your spark advancing correctly? What about the jetting in the carb? What about the jet setup, is it optimized for the boat and engine (not sure how you would do that, but I guess its the analog of rear-end gearing for a car)