What RPM's do you cruize at?

[GregF]

I run 3800-4200 if I am cruising. I understand outboards can run WOT a long time but they last a lot longer at 3800-4200 and the fuel economy is a whole lot better. Keeping a top RPM in the low 4k range I am averaging a tad over 1 GPH for over 100 hours. When I crank it up, you can see the gauge move and I only get a couple more MPH.

[raylee]

My 60hp, four-stroke Mercury BF on a 21' Sun Tracker will top out at 52-5400rpm and 19mph. 4800rpm gets me 17ph and a smooth, quieter ride.

[serpa4]

I run about 3,500 to 4,000 for about 18-22mph. Seems to be a good spot for MPG and speed. At 18 mph, seems like I'm not going too slow. Seems there is a huge difference in speed after about 4,000. From 4,000 to about 5,800, speed goes up pretty quickly, so I assume MPG goes down just as fast.
I occasionally want to Ricky race around at high speeds, but have to remember, it's a toon and doesn't go very fast with a 150hp on the back. It is just not as fast as my 350 merc on my last 23' Stingray at 60mph. Then again, I gave up some speed for comfort and room. I'm very surprised how quiet these new motors are. My enclosed 350/300hp merc was definitely louder at cruise then my toon.

[kimbercarry]

3200 for us. Run it up to about 3500 to get it up on the lifting strakes then back off. I run it WOT for about a quarter of a mile each time out to (according to the dealer and his mechanic) to prevent carbon build-up. I also add "Ring Free" when I top off the tank.