Before reading on, please take a moment to fill out this week’s survey so we can share your knowledge and experiences with the Cruising Compass family. Thanks.
What type of mainsail do you have?
Thanks to everyone who took the time to reply to last week’s survey on fuel use on out boats. 72% of those who replied have calculated their fuel consumption at various RPMs. Asked for engine size about a third have engines smaller than 50 horsepower, a third have engines between 50 and 80 horsepower and a third have engines rated at more than 80 horsepower and many of these were cats with twin engines. Most readers say they run at 2000 to 2500 RPMs at normal speeds and burn between .7 and 1.5 gallons per hour. At economical speeds, the average RPM is 1500 and the fuel use falls to 0.5 to 0.8 GPH. For maximum range with full tanks, about a tnird can go between 25o and 400 miles, another third from 400 to 600 miles and the rest over 600 miles. The longest max range was 1,200 miles.
