Wakesetter VLX vs Nautique Crossover Fuel Consumption (2008)

netorius77 · Newbie Joined: 30 Apr 2011 Posts: 3

I am almost 100% decided on buying a 2008 Wakesetter VLX - I just love the look and finish of it and to date was convinced that my choice could not be wrong.

However I went to look at the Nautique showroom to convince myself and the salesman tells me that the one major difference between the two boats is the fuel consumption. He tells me that the Indmar (Malibu) is about 2/3 more heavy on gas than the Nautique (Pleaseure Craft) under similar loads. He believes that where he uses 100l, the Malibu will use 300l!! Also I can only use premium unleaded on the Indmar rather than just cheap ol' regular.

Can this be real as it is obviously a BIG consideration. Is the Indmar such a dog with gas? I have tried searching the site for any comments, but find nothing which makes me believe it may be a sales pitch. Any comments?

Brit Rider · Posted: May 02, 2011 4:16 am Post subject:

netorius77, Sounds like bullchit to me....

Knowing both motors I'd say the only real fuel difference is the superior fuel control cell that Nautique use (PCM). But in terms of economy... they're about even. To be fair, apart from the ancilleries, they're the same engine!

- Both run on normal pump gas
- Both use simlar levels of fuel.

eeven73 · Posted: May 02, 2011 6:56 am Post subject:

a 3x factor for gas usage should be ringing BS alarms.

netorius77 · Newbie Joined: 30 Apr 2011 Posts: 3

Thanks for the replies. I suspected it was BS but was interested to get some opinions as normallybwhere there is smoke ther is fire, si thoiught maybe there was some element of truth. I do not even measure the economy of my car as I don't care, but would hate to be running off to the gas station every four hours to top up.

Does anyone have any ideas of consumption of a Wakesetter when
a) just cruising against b) bilges loaded with the wedge down?

Brit Rider · Posted: May 02, 2011 11:08 pm Post subject:

Buy the Nautique, then sue the slesman when it doesn't get 3 times the gas milage of the 'bu Laughing

netorius77 · Newbie Joined: 30 Apr 2011 Posts: 3

Brit Rider · Posted: May 03, 2011 3:47 am Post subject:

The Nautique (PCM) bacially has a fuel pump in the tank, and then also in a reevoir before the engine. This is called the FCC (Fuel Control Cell).

It's cool because it guarantees a super reliable flow of fuel to the engine, regardless of fuel levels in the boat. It is reliable and well proven.

It's not linked to the elctornics/ECU per say as you suggest, just a nice bolt on that more should use IMO. Very Happy

Suprahunter · Soul Rider Joined: 28 Apr 2008 Posts: 486 City: Lowell

I would always take a PCM over a Indmar better reliability and easier to work on .
Not sure about fuel economy . I have no complaints with my 08 210.

Ralph · Posted: May 04, 2011 12:16 am Post subject:

IMO there is no significant difference in fuel consumption between the PCM and indmar motors but there is a significant difference in hull design which makes the malibu more expensive to run. Not 3x more expensive but certainly a noticeable difference.

Brit Rider · Posted: May 04, 2011 12:32 am Post subject:

Ralph, Is it just me that noticed the 210 seems to hop onto plane quicker with similar horsepower?

lilsumo · Newbie Joined: 26 Jun 2009 Posts: 14

I have asked every manufacture out there what there fuel consumption is like and none of them can give you a answer. they all say the same thing, how much weight? or how do you drive? I realize that makes a difference, but they should be able to give you a ball park answer, and with gas at 4.25 a gallon, it's starting to matter to me what there fuel consumption is like.

I heard one guy say at the dock say that his MC X85 fully ballasted out uses 8 gallons an hour!! BS? maybe but i don't know for sure.

Brit Rider · Posted: May 04, 2011 6:25 am Post subject:

lilsumo, 8 gallons an hour is (sadly) totally possible Puppy Eyes

Consumption is had to figure in comprison to a car.
In a car you can expect to get the figures the manufacturer states, but in a boat, I guess they could only quote you on 'X amount of fuel used at cruise'. BUt that would then vary on so many factors, even down to factory options.

I guess we really need a totally standard set of figures that every manufacturer sticks to with "ideal world" conditions at play. At least it would give a bench mark I guess.

I'd love to know:
- Fuel used to get on plane
- Fuel used at 20mph, 30mph, 40mph Per Mile.

I don't see this happening though! I'd also imagine it'd be fairly similar once on the plane...

2tharubrails · Criminal Joined: 25 Aug 2006 Posts: 51 City: Whistler

Check this below link. Its a Malibu Wakesetter VTX w/ the 340 Indmar Monsoon. Click on the test results tab. It breaks out the GPH at each RPM step for the boat.

This boat about 21-24 MPH is about 3 miles to the gallon. That obviously unweighted and with no wedge.

2tharubrails · Criminal Joined: 25 Aug 2006 Posts: 51 City: Whistler

Woops forgot the link:

http://www.boattest.com/boats/boat_video.aspx?ID=1762#Test-Result

lilsumo · Newbie Joined: 26 Jun 2009 Posts: 14

Wonder why they haven't made a diesel boat yet. I saw a video somewhere that said standard boats in Florida was prototyping one, but have never heard anything else about it.

How you going to get fuel, will be the biggest complaint I think, but for better fuel consumption, I'd put up with the hassle.

doc1 · Newbie Joined: 23 Apr 2011 Posts: 5

The stink, the noise, the vibration of the diesel. But the mileage when loaded and the massive torque would be awesome. Getting the diesel isnt a problem for someone who always trailers to the water.