I started with all 5/16 line and a single 1/2” mainline (no vacuum) and averaged about 0.2-0.25 gallons per tap with ~120 taps. I since converted to all 3/16” and have around 260 taps. Each line has 19-25 taps on it and runs downhill to the collection tank with about 100’ elevation drop. I have vacuum gauges at the top of each line that routinely have 22-30” of vacuum. (Cheap Amazon gauges, I know 30” isn’t possible). I now get 0.3 to 0.33 gpt. The sap rarely is over 1.7% sugar. I made 86 gallons of syrup so I’m happy.
2013 Started with 6 used buckets, 6 sap sacks, concrete block fire pit in the woods and a 20g Agway galvanized tub for boiling - made 8 quarts campfire grade syrup and got hooked. Over the years I acquired or built a 2x6 Leader evaporator, 20x30 barn/sugar house, home-built RO with 1-4x40 membrane and Kubota L3200 with log winch. In 2020 I was certified by VT Audubon as a bird-friendly producer.
2021 250 taps on 11- 3/16" lines hoping for 80 gal.
Out of control hobby, not a business!