TOPIC: Sabre Craft first outing after restoration

Finally, I got the Sabre Craft Pacer 15 out on the lake. Here is a shot of my son taking Mom for her first spin - SHE LIKED IT!

I have a few minor bugs to work out but basically it meets all expectations. I even got kudos on the first launch from a nice lady that thought it was "so cool looking".

One unexpected thing though - Wow, what a gas hog that merc 500 is! Seems to run great so I assume it is normal, but we went through a 6 gallon tank in no time.

It took just about one year for the restoration. Nice project, I would definitely do it again, in fact I check craigslist constantly. I think the next one will have fins. This truly is a disease.

YUP

Looks Great!!!

Nice job! My Merc 500 loves gas too.

Congrats Eicoguy, she looks great out there on the water!

eicoguy,

PURTY.

WELOME ABOARD.

yours, satx

That's a great feeling getting your project under it's own power for the first time since restoration. Enjoy the Summer with it. As for the fuel consumption - all vintage outboards are thirsty machines. All have what is called an "economizer" range in the throttle setting. This is usually at 2/3 to 3/4 throttle. To get the best fuel economy from an outboard, get it on plane quickly, and back off on the throttle just enough to NOT retard the timing of the magneto or distributor. At this point, the spark should be fully advanced, and the carbs should be open just partially. Beyond 2/3 to 3/4 throttle - there is a ratio change in the rate the carbs open in proportion to how much the throttle is moved. moving the throttle toward full opens the carbs very quickly - similar in operation to the way an old automotive 4 barrel carb opened up the secondaries at the last bit of pedal. Zooooom! The problem is - that your 500 will likely only picks up a few miles per hour in that last 1/3 to 1/4 travel of throttle setting. The extra fuel burned doesn't equal the little bit of speed gained. Best to keep it at moderate speeds. Also be sure the propeller is the proper type and pitch for your boat - this can really affect the use of fuel. With experience - you will be able to guestimate how much run-time the motor will give on a tank. I'm thinking that your 500 should give around an hour & 1/2 run time on a 6 gal tank at cruising speed.

Thanks for the advice on fuel saving - I'll definitely try that.

Second outing resulted in another leasson - I NEED TO INSTALL THE DEPTH FINDER THAT MY SON GAVE ME! I bent the prop - probably hit a fish trap, so not sure the depth finder would have helped, but I will install it soon. Wasn't too bad so the wife and I were able to limp back to the boat launch at idle.

I'm learning about this boating stuff - but I learn the hard every time it seems. Having fun though !