150 XR6 - Any views?

[markc]

After lurking here for a while I'm finally seriously looking for a boat...

I'm now looking at a RIB with a Mercury 150 XR6 with low hours. I know these engines have a reputation for being a little thirsty, but is there anything specific I should look out for?

Also, I'm guessing that as these engines do not have injection etc, that instrumentation (fuel flow rates etc) will be more limited than on newer 4-strokes. What sort of instrumentation is available?

Many thanks for any input.

Mark

[Cookee]

I think an XR6 would be quite an old engine, and I think a rev counter would be about it!

[ribit]

I think the XR6 was a model often found in the US but not so much over here, I believe they are a 2.5ltr block on carbs very much like an older 150, therefore the fuel consumption is not going to be up to that of a present day engine at cruising speeds, there was one fitted to a Ring 6.5 at my boatyard for years I see that boat is up for sale

[markc]

The engine is a 2001 model, the owner reckons on 5MPG on a 6.3 Ocean Pro. Does that sound realistic?

Funnily enough I saw the exact same setup on the beach the same day I looked at his RIB.

[Searider]

I get about that with my Optimax.

Hopefully Pete7 will be along soon - I believe he used to run an old tech 150 on a 6.5m boat.