harrys23
New Member
Can anyone advise on the fuel comsumption of a Fletcher 18 GTS fitted with a 3L 140 HP inboard, also any comments on this boat
Fuel comsumption Fletcher 18 GTS
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BrendanS
Well-Known Member
Probably over 1 mile per litre at cruising speed, possibly a fair bit more. A lot less at WOT. Assuming clean hull, not too much weight on board,correct prop, etc etc.
pau1gray
Well-Known Member
We have recently switched from a Fletcher 17 GTS with a 3.0 litre mercrusier to a sealine S23.
The fletcher with 60litres of petrol would run for about 4 hours on a tank at 25-30Kts.
Without planing and just cruising round the harbour we would also get about 4 hours on a tank.
Regards
Paul
The fletcher with 60litres of petrol would run for about 4 hours on a tank at 25-30Kts.
Without planing and just cruising round the harbour we would also get about 4 hours on a tank.
Regards
Paul
harrys23
New Member
What are you views on the Fletcher having owned one, is it suitable for trips to I.O.W, would it make it to france ??
BrendanS
Well-Known Member
A boat of that size can make Poole to IOW, and even to France. People used to do it in boats that size before everyone started buying bigger starting boats.
What you will have to realise is that you can only do it when the weather window is suitable, not on the day you want to try to do it.
You'll also need a lot of experience first before you try a France trip in a boat that size, and probably in company, not solo.
Set your expectations far lower in your first year or two
Try a few trips to IOW/Solent and Weymouth in company, with someone experienced that can show you the ropes and tidal gates and weather planning first.
What you will have to realise is that you can only do it when the weather window is suitable, not on the day you want to try to do it.
You'll also need a lot of experience first before you try a France trip in a boat that size, and probably in company, not solo.
Set your expectations far lower in your first year or two
Try a few trips to IOW/Solent and Weymouth in company, with someone experienced that can show you the ropes and tidal gates and weather planning first.
pau1gray
Well-Known Member
Yep tend to agree with Brendan - as a 'new user' I would say trips to IOW no problem from Southampton / Pompey Weymouth etc however France is just a wee bit too adventurous - you'd have to get the weather spot on(not to mention you'd need to tow a small garage with you for the Fuel).
moondancer
Well-Known Member
Is it a Bowrider? I wouldn't make a long trip in a Bowrider.
Geoffs
Well-Known Member
I had a 19 GTS with 3.0L for 8 years. Same hull, different superstructure styling. Great boat, for it's size good sea keeping qualities. Will slam if driven hard into head sea. Stays quite dry for it's size.
Over hundreds of hours of use it averaged 1 litre a mile, or about 4.5 mpg. Did better with a flat sea and tide behind, maybe down to 3 mpg in rough stuff.
Kept mine in Poole, over to IOW dozens of times, no problems. Also Portsmouth, Hamble, Weymouth and all stations in between. Never took it cross channel, although some tried to persuade me, range is the problem, only about 80 miles safe range (100 litre tank 20% safety margin).
Great little boat, although 3.0L not greatest engine. Mine never let me down at sea, in fact never missed a beat. But you need to keep on top of maintenance with raw water cooling. Vital to flush with fresh water after use, which means out of water, usually.
Over hundreds of hours of use it averaged 1 litre a mile, or about 4.5 mpg. Did better with a flat sea and tide behind, maybe down to 3 mpg in rough stuff.
Kept mine in Poole, over to IOW dozens of times, no problems. Also Portsmouth, Hamble, Weymouth and all stations in between. Never took it cross channel, although some tried to persuade me, range is the problem, only about 80 miles safe range (100 litre tank 20% safety margin).
Great little boat, although 3.0L not greatest engine. Mine never let me down at sea, in fact never missed a beat. But you need to keep on top of maintenance with raw water cooling. Vital to flush with fresh water after use, which means out of water, usually.
harrys23
New Member
Thanks to Brendan, geoffs and others for yoor advce
