Alumacraft Pro 175 with 75-hp Honda Wins

Each year we look over the boats we have tested to see which boats are most fuel-efficient performance numbers at “best cruise.” In 2007 the winner was the Alumacraft Pro 175 bass boat powered by a 75-hp Honda engine with the new “BLAST” technology.



The 170 FX Tracker with 50-hp Mercury came in second with 9.03 mpg.





The Smoker Craft 162 Tracer with 40-hp Honda came in third with 8.45 mpg.

The best performer in our aluminum boat data base for 2007 at best cruise was the Alumacraft Pro 175 with a 75-hp Honda 4-stroke engine. This boat was powered by the new Honda engine that was introduced last year with its BLAST technology. This boat got 10.51 mpg. At $4 fuel, that is $.38 per mile at best cruise which was 24.7 mph.

In second place was the Tracker 170 TX powered by a 50-hp Mercury getting 9.93 mpg and going 19.9 at best cruise. Third place was the Smoker Craft 162 Tracer powered by a 40-hp Honda which got 8.45 miles per gallon, going 18.6 mph.

Because fuel prices have been rising lately there is nearly constant media coverage on TV. The fact is that fuel is a relatively small budget item in the annual operation of most boats. Nevertheless, everyone should know exactly how their boat performs and there can be a big difference from one boat to another. Obviously the boats listed below were not “apples-to-apples”, yet the numbers prove that engine selection is critical.

Note that all weights are without engine and “dry.” Rpm is at “best cruise”, then speed and mpg at best cruise. Final two numbers are speed and mpg at WOT.