Fuel Consumption

Fuel consumption is the rate at which a boat’s engine uses fuel while underway, usually expressed in litres per hour, litres per nautical mile, or range per tank. It varies with engine load, rpm, speed, hull form, displacement, trim, propeller efficiency, fouling, and the wind, waves and current encountered on passage.

Accurate fuel consumption figures are essential for safe passage planning, especially when motoring into head seas, crossing bars, or making landfall with limited reserves. Skippers use them to estimate range in Nautical Miles, choose economical Motoring, and allow for increased burn in poor Sea State. A prudent plan includes reserve fuel for delays, diversions, charging batteries and unexpected weather.

PredictWind Weather Routing, Departure Planning and Power Routing help assess how forecast wind, waves and currents may affect speed over ground and fuel burn. Comparing routes and departure times can reduce unnecessary engine hours, optimise cruising speed, and support more confident decisions before committing to an offshore or coastal leg.