Real world fuel usage

[jms02050]

First post after lurking for awhile. Moving from sail to power... While I explore my options and begin the hunt for a 28TE, I'm trying to get my head around how fuel costs will factor in to the ownership costs.

Anyone local to Boston harbor care to share some actual gallons-per-trip numbers for local excursions? Say Boston to Scituate, Salem, Provincetown, etc. ? I've looked at the fuel curves already posted on this site, but I'm looking to add some local "flavor" to it all to see what I might be getting into.

Thanks for any info and advice.

Jim

[RicM]

There are few 28 foot boats more fuel efficient than the 28TE. I have the 315 HP Yanmar engine that I ran 230 hours last season, primarily in Naragansett Bay and averaged 3.27 Gal/Hour for the whole season.

[Mariner]

I always predict fuel consumption using what I know to be our consumption at my favored cruising speed (10gph). However, real world experience has shown our consumption to be much lower. First, you'd be surprised how often you run below your cruising speed, just because you're going in or out of the harbor, checking out a new inlet, or trolling a line. Regardless, we actually end up averaging closer to 6-7gph on a refuel.

Due to rising fuel costs, I've started running a little slower, cruising at 1,700rpm instead of 2,000, and burning more like 7-8gph. The speed loss is less than a knot and for most trips, the ETA only changes by a few minutes.

[Pitou]

Into my 5th season w/the 28 ..... consistantly average 3.2 - 3.3 gallons/hr. over a seasons boating.

Normal cruise - 15 + knots / 8 gph
18 + knots / 10 gph
25 knots / 20 gph (running a storm, beating or catching a tide)

Pretty economical ..... as Mariner stated you'll run well under cruising speed most of the time.