I don't have a bimini. . . which is kind of a drag,

I knew I'd get little support, am not offended, and I was careful to use the word "may" in the title. I did not do extensive testing. This was simply something I found odd and thought I'd see if anyone else had seen it too.

I have checked the accuracy of the fuel flow meter and it is shockingly accurate at measuring the fuel I've used; it's easily within 1%. I'll know if it stayed accurate, for sure, next time I fill up.

I won't run at top speed with the bimini up. It's only rated for 35 MPH. A .1 MPG increase at cruise would not mean much to top speed anyway.

I tend to agree with Al's synopsis about the change in the hull's angle of attack being the real cause, if it proves to be true. That said, having flown kites extensively (including big ones), I cannot discount the lift 48 sqaure feet of wing area can provide with 30 MPH air flowing over it. It could just as easily be the lift rather than the drag that alters the angle of attack, or a combination of both.

So there's this plane that is going to take off on a conveyor belt...

Hi Dave:
I tend to agree with the increased angle theory. If the bimini provides 100 - 200 lbs of lift at speed, then it would likely raise the bow without inducing much additional drag. To do the same with the outdrive trim adjustment, you would tend to increase drag.

The interesting thing is, if you can replicate it, is that you can get a different reading on your MPG gauge.