Lowrance HDS-5 with EP-60R Fuel Flow monitor

Test of my Lowrance HDS-5 and recently added EP-60R fuel flow accessory. This is a MUST HAVE accessory- I had read of how small changes to trim and throttle make a big difference in fuel use- it's true. What's NOT true is that trim tabs give better MPG- you might get on plane faster but it's like pulling a bucket with them down. I only use one side a bit to keep level and leave the Mercruiser power trim to set the boat's plane- that got me the best MPG on plane.

I opted for the Lowrance system instead of the FloScan because I didn't want to install another gauge. SO glad I returned my failing Hummingbirds and went Lowrance- the difference between the companies is off the charts. (no pun intended)...but since I did mention charts- the Lowrance Insight maps are great- I found I don't need Navionics that's just my personal feeling.

The cost was $86 for the sender and $60 for the network kit. Under $150 total (ebay) ...but I think Cabellas had it cheaper for some reason.

I have NO doubt I'll save this $150 in my first few trips. It takes a bit of time to find the sweet spots and they move around...you can kinda guess where it is for you boat after installing the setup...but every time I went on plane I had to look at the Lowrance for trim and throttle to tweak into the 4 MPG zone. Without the setup I wasn't even close. Hope this helps you out.

PS Send me some good Cod & Haddock GPS locations if you want to repay the favor!

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Lowrance
• HDS
• HDS5
• Mileage
• Fuel Consumption
• Gas Meter

[KenmoreGlassPinecone]

Hi balconio, I have a 22p 4 blade I got from iboat. It didn't give as good mpg as the 3 blade 19's I'm running. My best mpg is at just planning off, about 22- 24 mph. I keep the bow as light as it will go and no trim tabs unless I'm leaning from wind or load. The boat does 3.2 - 3.4 mpg most of the time off shore with full to half tank of gas. (52 gals). I've hit 4 to 4.2 mpg at time planed off but 3.4 to 3.6 is the normal best. Running "displacement" mode- just idling 8-10 mpg. Thks

[balconio1172]

I'd say you might benefit from some more pitch in your prop. My brother switched to a 4 blade 22 pitch and has had good results in top speed/ higher cruising speed (4.3 merc). Your MPG would be better if you could cruise at closer to 30mph @ 3200rpm.