Glacier Bays, Wahoo, and Gas

**davisadams** · #1 01-19-2007, 02:16 PM

I have a 2003 26' Glacier Bay Canyon Runner with twin 140 suzuki 4 strokes. It is new to me. I have been out several times, but just to learn the boat, test its reliabilty, and do a gas mileage check. On a full tank, 180 gallons, I ran 24-28 mph on average in 6 foot seas for 40 miles by gps, in and back, and got 1.85 miles per gallon. Under that assumption, I should have a range of 333 miles in 6 foot seas with 1000 pounds of gas. Obviously it will be much calmer if i am headed to the flower gardens. Now, I realize I am going to add another 400-600 pounds of men, 300 pounds of ice and food, etc, but I will also lose gas weight the entire time, so I will be much lighter by the time i get back.

Is it reasonable to think i have plenty of gas to go 100 miles out of freeport to west flower gardens, troll for several hours and head back. All of this on 180 gallons.

All of your input is greatly appreciated. I would especially like to hear from other GB 26 canyon runner owners.

Thanks

**Muddskipper** · #2 01-19-2007, 02:18 PM

You might want to run a few 30 and 60 mile trips before venturing out to the gardens.

**WilliamH** · #3 01-19-2007, 02:24 PM

You will catch fish so you have to factor in that weight for the return trip. Can you use the entire 180 gallons, meaning will your motors suck the tank dry before running out of gas or will there be 20 or so gallons left that won't get burned?

**Mr. Tuffy** · #4 01-19-2007, 03:00 PM

Just do it. Bring a lot of extra beer in case you run out of gas. It can get really boring when you're waiting on fuel.

All kidding aside, taking extra fuel is a safe way to be sure.

**Angler 1** · #5 01-19-2007, 03:04 PM

Wow, that is impressive, did you go out in 6 ft seas or get caught in them? Glacier Bay makes really nice boats and i have heard they ride really good. Always be very careful if you are bringing extra fuel. and if in doubt don't do it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by davisadams

I ran 24-28 mph on average in 6 foot seas for 40 miles by gps,

**thefishingmusician** · #6 01-19-2007, 04:35 PM

You might PM CaptEddie, he has a 26' Glacier bay but it has 150's on it. I would bet you could make the trip but you might buy a fuel blatter and take and extra 50 gallons or so just in case. It's better to err on the side of caution.

Cameron

**jcturnerjr** · #7 01-19-2007, 05:03 PM

I would definitely say bring more gas. Just reading the other threads right now on cats and trips to the Flower Gardens, you are looking at about 200-240 miles round trip depending on port of departure. That assumes you can drive in a straight line which is a skill I personally have not mastered. If you figured an extra 10% of distance for "drift" you are now in the 220-260 mile range not counting any trolling when you get there. When you figure in trolling, you could easily be closer to the 300 mile range (and potentially getting less than 1.85mpg while trolling)

You will also likely not be able to suck your tank dry (or may have water accumilation) so loose a little more distance.

I also noticed one of the other 26' GB CR owners indicated that with his 150s he only got 1.5 mpg. Your 140 4-strokes are probably more efficient but there are lots of things other than weather that could take your MPG down a few notches: oxygenated gas, bad gas, foulded spark plugs, etc.

Adding all those things up (which Murfey's Law says WILL happen eventually), it is easy enough to find yourself stuck 20+ miles offshore even though your initial calculations said you should have plenty of gas left.

When I had my bay-boat (which got in the 4 mpg range), any time I headed off-shore to some of the close rigs I always brought along an extra 5 gallons "just in case". I usually had a much more relaxed day fishing knowing that I had 20%-30% in reserve.

Julian

**davisadams** · #8 01-19-2007, 05:09 PM

i went out in them. they were 5.6 foot seas at 6 seconds according to buoy 42019 and the same at the buoy 20 miles east of galveston. it was really a pretty easy ride. I guess because they were spaced decently where i was not landing on the next one.

**woody7** · #9 01-19-2007, 05:50 PM

Do you have a single tank, or are there 2? I have two and with twin engines, the pickup for one engine is located near the front of one tank and the rear of the other, allowing you to run the tank pretty near empty with one or the other motor. Like the others have said, do NOT think you have 180 gallons of fuel. Make some shorter trips and try to determine what is really in the tank and pad yourself with a 25% reserve on any trip. Bladders are an option, an extra 40-50 gallon tank under deck or permanantly mounted above is an even better one.