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Ahh, ok, that makes more sense. Having recently repowered, I tend to run my new engine at its optimal output nearly all of the time, which I didn't always do before. I also replaced the soundproofing in the engine compartment at the time, so it's much quieter now, which may have something to do with it.

Hi Gerald,

I'm surprised that you use so much diesel. My meticulous records give 1.5l per hour, year-after-year, admittedly including some motor-sailing and canal work, both with the old Volvo 2003 and the present Beta 30, both with fixed 3-blade props.

(Obviously, I did not make it to the Northern Isles so far this summer but have found a new hobby - moving house - to S Ronaldsay! Hopefully by 24 August, though the boat will stay in Argyll for the meantime - my country cottage, which has been out and about locally since 'relaxation'. Everyone should get a new hobby, great fun, sold in 48 hours to the nicest young family you could meet and bought a house I viewed in May'19 and left, reluctantly, at that time. Best Wishes.)

Mike

The figures I quoted are maxima; though I never get as low as 1.5 l/hr. Keeping speed above 5.5 kt in a seaway, without sail assistance, used over 2 l/hr with a two bladed prop, but I haven't done any precise measurements with the 3 bladed one. Most of my motoring is done in flat seas but against wind, and often current, too. In calmer conditions, I reckon on about 1.7 l/hr.

Hope you are enjoying Orkney! I worked there as a visiting consultant for a couple of years, and rarely got outside of Kirkwall, but I found it a very pleasant place, if more agricultural than Shetland. Haven't been back for ten years, though. Castaway is still in Sweden, so no sailing this year.

Best wishes,

Gerald