| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Rob Moss |
Posted - 07/21/2009 : 10:52:06 AM
Hi guys/gals,,
I recently purchased a 1979 Carver Mariner 2896, I contacted the local carver dealer and asked about GPH on this boat,She has Twin 302's V-Drive, I have been burning approx. 30GPH, which I have come to find out is about double the normal amount. I have not seen the bottom of the boat yet, so im hoping maybe a good cleaning will help this issue (Pressure wash and scraping is scheduled for this friday), the mechanic I spoke with told me to give her a good tune-up (Oil, Filters, Plugs, Wires, etc....) and have the bottom cleaned.. Has anyone ever experienced burning this much fuel? or can anyone make any other suggestions?? I have been cruising at 2500 rpm's (maybe I need to adjust my speed..) (Another guy told me that filling the FW holding tank might help as well)
79 Carver Mariner 2896
"Gas Prices SUCK" |
| 5 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Rockmeister |
Posted - 07/22/2009 : 10:50:56 AM
You are welcome Bob!
Basic parts such as plugs, wires, etc are the same as the automotive counterparts.
The engines were marinized by Pleasurecraft Corp.
NAPA can look them up as Pleasurecraft.
(They will just look at you funny if you want them to look it up by Carver. lol)
Some outlets such as Advance Auto can get you the parts once you have a NAPA number.
(They are FAST too!)
Auto parts places other than NAPA generally cannot look up a marine part as such.
Part of the problem of finding parts is that alot of the marine parts are 10 years or so behind the automotive versions.
You can use an oil filled coil on your boat, however the epoxy filled coils are recommended due to the vibration and no possibility of leakage.
You MUST use the marine version of some parts, such as mechanical fuel pumps, carbs, flame arrestors, distributors, alternators, starters, etc.
There is no alternative that I know of to a marine mechanical fuel pump.
The marine versions of some parts, such as distributors, alternators, starters, etc, CAN be made from the automotive versions, provided all the openings are protected with a very fine mesh metal screen that will not allow a spark or flame through it.
(That is how they make the marine versions.)
These parts can also be re-built by a local alternator/starter shop.
Have made marine versions by removing the screens from existing alternators and installing them in the same automotive type, making them spark/flame-proof.
Most alternator/starter shops can do this, some even carry the screen material.
Am Very happy with my Pertonix electronic ignitions!
(On ebay, about $130 for both.)
Helped milage and starting.
Surplus outlets and ebay can make alot of your costs alot lower also.
Assuming everything is pretty much ok, you could possibly raise your mileage by 10-20% with a good tune-up, repairs, cleaning etc.
Not a bad payback! 
Your speed does effect the mileage alot.
My best numbers have been at idle, and on plane about 20 MPH or so.
(Well on plane, not just barely.)
Trimming a bit and watching your speed without changing throttle will fine tune your MPG by tuning trim for max speed.
Sometimes it is a balance between max MPH and handling.
Mine likes to run bow heavy with head-on seas, and bow high in following seas, so sometimes mileage has to be compromised.
Hope this helps! 
79 28' Mariner twin inboard V-drive.
Western Lake Erie: Maumee Bay & The Islands |
| Rob Moss |
Posted - 07/22/2009 : 09:36:36 AM
Thanks Jimbo/Rock,
I plan on inspecting the Props when I have her out of the water, Rock it sounds like im running pretty close to what you say your getting GPH, maybe I shouldnt be expecting a dramatic change after the Hull Cleaning / Tune-up. Do you buy any of your engine parts at Auto Part stores? if so, what vehicle do you class these engines up with, I am having a problem finding basic parts(Plugs, wires, coils, distributors)
Thanks again for your help with this guys,
79 Carver Mariner 2896
"Gas Prices SUCK" |
| Jimbo Song |
Posted - 07/22/2009 : 07:54:46 AM
I think my mileage is not so good simply because my engines are getting quite tired, over 1600 hours. Also, I think I'm a bit over propped.
My goal is to repower this winter with diesel. It's a pricey project bit from all the numbers I can get together it seems well worth it in the VERY long run.
I know, I know, financially it makes little scense. But, Man, I do love my Carver and have no intention of ever getting rid of her.In fact, if it were legal I would request a Viking's Funeral in her when I pass from this earth.
Bob
1987 Carver Voyager 28
"Jimbo Song"
Palm Coast, FL |
| Rockmeister |
Posted - 07/21/2009 : 9:29:32 PM
My '79 Mariner has twin 302's with V-drives also.
Pretty much standard equipment in that era.
In perfect conditions, I have gotten 2 MPG a few times, but usually a little above 1 MPG.
At 24 MPH, that equates to a bit less than 24 GPH.
Since a recent replacement of the ignition coils, my mileage has gone up a bit also.
79 28' Mariner twin inboard V-drive.
Western Lake Erie: Maumee Bay & The Islands |
| Jimbo Song |
Posted - 07/21/2009 : 12:18:25 PM
Just guessing, 2500 RPM = about 15-18 MPH? If so 30 GPH at that speed seems way high. While I agree with your mechanic on the complete tune up and certainly a dirty bottom and running gear can greatly effect GPH rate, it would have to be extreme to double it.
One other thing to check is what kind of props are on your boat while you have it hauled to clean the bottom. That could also be a problem area as far as efficiency goes.
My boat, 1987 Voyager 28, cruises at 2800-3000 RPM which is about 20 MPH or so. About the best I can get is about 1 mile per gallon in cal water and properly trimmed up. I, however, do most of my cruising in the 8 MPH range and get over 2 miles per gallon.
Couple of things I am curious about; 1) All the late 70's 2896's I ever saw had twin 220HP Crusaders and were straight drive inboards. Yours has twin 302's with V drives. Has your boat been repowered? 2)Did you not have a survey done before you bought the boat?
Bob
1987 Carver Voyager 28
"Jimbo Song"
Palm Coast, FL |
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