Birchwood TS37 Diesel Usage

[Phil Mitchell]

I was thinking about buying a Birchwood TS37 with twin diesel engines and taking it down to the Med through France. I was wondering how much diesel I will be using on a daily basis. It's not the cost I'm worried about but the amount I will need in the tank each day. I might be doing the trip solo, so any tips would be useful and gratefully received. Thanks.

 

[omega2]

Top up at every oppertunity

 

[rustybarge]

I was thinking about buying a Birchwood TS37 with twin diesel engines and taking it down to the Med through France. I was wondering how much diesel I will be using on a daily basis. It's not the cost I'm worried about but the amount I will need in the tank each day. I might be doing the trip solo, so any tips would be useful and gratefully received. Thanks.

Ive found this rule of thumb very accurate for single engined medium sized 10-12m boats: (add 25% for twin)

3hp/ton for 6-7kts.
6hp/ton for 7-8kts.
15hp/ton for 10kts.

1 imp.gallon of diesel produces 20hp.

 

[trouty12]

I own a TS37 with twin 200HP volvo diesels (which, incidentally is coming up for sale shortly). At sea I get approx 1.3 miles to the gallon at cruising speed (approx 18knts). The tanks hold 240 gallon so I've never worked out consumption for river use as I don't do enough river mileage to worry about it! I think you'll have a range of well over 600 miles at river spreeds.

 

[Greg2]

If you work on 1.5 - 2 gph for two engines at river speeds (circa 5-6 knots) you won't be too far out.

 

[Phil Mitchell]

Thanks, Trouty12 I've now got an idea of what to allow for and what to expect. When your boat comes up for sale I have a condo in Pattaya, Thailand if you would be interested. Worth 2.25 million Baht. If you are interested we can exchange pictures. Where is your Birchwood TS37?

 

[Phil Mitchell]

Thanks Greg2, very helpful, I now know a little more as to what to plan for.

 

[Phil Mitchell]

Thanks, Rustybarge, I know a little more than I did before your help. Thanks again.

 

[John_d_Smith]

I have a TS37 with 200hp volvos. When cruising on the canals in France I always cruise on one engine as I think its better to be working one engine a bit harder than two on tick over and one engine at 1500 rpm will give me 5kts which is as fast as you can go on most canals. In answer to your question about consumption, I think at canal speeds you will burn about 1 gph with a little more on the rivers. I cruise single handed most of the time which is not too difficult once you get the hang of it.