Chart Navigation & Plotting · Speed-Time-Distance — Fuel Endurance

Your vessel carries 1,500 gallons of usable fuel and burns 50 gallons per hour at a cruising speed of 11 knots. What is the approximate fuel range (still water)?

Explanation

Endurance = 1,500 gal ÷ 50 gal/h = 30 hours. At 11 knots, range = 30 h × 11 kt = 330 NM. Prudent planning also reserves a fuel margin, so usable range to a destination should be less.

Authority: Bowditch (Pub. No. 9), Voyage Planning

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