Boat Fuel Range Calculator
Boat fuel range is how far the boat can go on the fuel in the tank. Set aside the reserve you choose first, and the rest is what the trip can use.
- Free
- Works offline after your first visit
- Saves on this device
- No sign-up
- Updated
How it works
Take the reserve off the tank, then divide the fuel left by the fuel used per hour. That gives the hours of running.
Multiply the hours by the cruising speed for the distance. Real fuel use changes with load, waves and throttle, so a fuel log from your own boat is a better guide than any single figure.
Worked example
A tank of 40 gal with 20% kept back, using 8 gal an hour at 18 kn, covers 72 nmi in 4 hours of running.
Questions
Why keep a reserve?
A reserve is fuel you do not plan to use on the trip. How much to keep is your choice; this calculator simply takes that share off the top.
Does the range stay the same at any speed?
No. Most boats use much more fuel for each mile at high speed, so the range falls as the speed rises. Use the fuel use for the speed you actually run.
Does this include wind and current?
No. Wind and current change the distance you cover over the ground, so leave a margin in the plan.
More like this
- Winning Percentage CalculatorShare of games won, from wins and losses.
- Slope Percentage CalculatorRise and run to percent grade and degrees.
- Batting Average CalculatorHits divided by at bats.
- Headwind and Crosswind CalculatorHeadwind and crosswind for a runway.
- Anchor Scope CalculatorLength of anchor rode for a chosen scope.
- Bowling Average CalculatorAverage score across your games.