Garmin 942xs

[wrench2nr]

I am looking into replacing my electronics. I have a lorance hook 5 that came with the boat. 1992 2500scr. I am looking at the Garmin 942xs, is it worth the time to hook up a fuel flow meter and guage to see consumption rates? I am looking at taking the boat to Sanibel Island and possibly the Keys for week long trips.

[shrew]

IMHO.....no.

1) Fill the boat
2) Run the boat, and determine average speed and record hours of runtime.
3) Once down to to half a tank, determine both distance and hours of runtime.
3) Fill the boat again.
4) Calculate how much fuel you burned.

That should give you a rough estimate of the number of hours and distance on a half a tank.

Plan your fuel stops accordingly. I don't like to estimate more than half a tank between fuel stops. If wind, tide, sea conditions are rougher than normal, that might extend fuel burn down to 2/3 of tank when you planned on 1/2. You might have to go out of your way a bit more to stay on the side of caution.