I have the Floscan physically installed, but the electrical connections remain to be made. There are quite a few with, to me, subtlety different colors. When this is accomplished, I look forward to discovering which propeller is more efficient and which speeds are most efficient. Ron Rogers Ron, you have made my case for a fuel management system. I have read the comments in the last day's postings regarding the subject and was going to ignore the threads until I read yours. One cannot more quickly determine the results of a prop change or bottom job then with a GPS integrated (or assisted) data evaluation. After my recent installation of the GPS integrated FloScan, I was instantly able to identify my optimum MPG. I also wrote into my log the optimum go fast MPG when I need to make good time. All those log entries went out the window, after I coated the bottom of my boat with a polyurethane hard and fast finish. My optimum MPG (slow and fast modes) changed drastically....for the better. How many days, weeks, months, or even years of cruising would it take to arrive at the MPG, GPH, and gals. consumed and still be sure of accuracy, when there are so many variables. The variables mentioned in the last threads are sea conditions, no wake zones and...BUT the variables that MUST be taken into consideration is the condition of the vessel itself. Fuel consumption and MPG will be affected by progressive fouling of the bottom and running gear. Accumulated engine hours will result in reduced fuel efficiency and/or consumption. Striking a lobster trap Styrofoam ball can throw a prop blade out of pitch, resulting in reduced fuel efficiency. Trim and/or a fully provisioned (for a cruise) vessel will see changes in EFFICIENCY that engine RPM calculations alone will not adequately reflect. Bottom line, if you want very accurate real time data, a fuel management system is the way to go. I bought and installed FloScan's GPS integrated system and what is does is give me "real time" MPG as well as the other data promised. You don't need to buy the GPS integrated system if you are willing to use data from your non integrated Loran or GPS and interpolate it. I choose to go the integrated route so that if any abnormalities arise at sea, I can detect it immediately. My installation is on a single engine boat. The engine is a 4 cylinder Yanmar. There is a return hose to the selectable fuel tanks and aside from adding a bit more cost for the return transducer and pulsation damper, it was not a big deal to contend with. Low RPM (670) GPH read-outs are stable. More on this subject can be found in May's postings under my name. Next Thursday, on the 16th, I will begin a extended rivers exploration cruise from Chicago to St. Pete. I will chronicle my experience using the FloScan system from fill up to fill up and pass along anything of interest. Edward Blau M.V. "My Way" St. Pete Fl.

Next Thursday, on the 16th, I will begin a extended rivers exploration

On the rivers between Chicago and Mobile you will find that river current changes constantly making your Floscan readings very interesting but not much help in analyzing fuel burn factors. At least that is what I found. And, the same applies to tidal currents. You must be in fairly calm water with light winds before small changes in gph are all that meaningful. I like my Floscans and don't regret buying and installing them but they aren't magic. Jim Fidler "Fiddlesticks" > Next Thursday, on the 16th, I will begin a extended rivers exploration > cruise from Chicago to St. Pete. I will chronicle my experience using the > FloScan system from fill up to fill up and pass along anything of > interest. > Edward Blau > M.V. "My Way" > St. Pete Fl.