Fuel Consumtion on Marine Trader 38

[LPL]

Any ideas of fuel consumption per hour on a Marine Trader 38 with twin Ford Lehman 135HP. What about a very similar trawler with twin Volvos with similar HP. Lastly a similar 38 foot trawler with a single Ford Lehman 135HP. Trying to compare 3 boats and trying to figure the difference in fuel consumption. All 3 are 38' Taiwanese boats. Obviously not looking at top speed, but fuel efficient cruising speed.

Thanks

[micksbuddy]

I have a Mainship 34 with a 270 Cummins, and she'll use 1.75-2 gph at 6.5-7kts. I would expect the Marine Traders to be similar, with the twin engine boats using slightly more fuel. I would also expect fuel consumption to start increasing significantly over 7.5knts as you start approaching hull speed and are pushing more water. Fyi, my boat used apprx 9gph at 13kts.

[donradcliffe]

Similar trawlers with similar lengths will use about the same fuel at the same speed, except that the single engine boats may use about 15-20% less than the dual engine boats.

Fuel consumption is more dependent on cruising speed than anything else--if you don't like the burn rate, slow down half a knot. FWIW, I burn about 4gph at 8k with twin 200hp Leyland Fords, and that's good enough for me.

[LPL]

Thanks for the replies. That's what I needed. I've been getting estimates that are all over the board. I do realize a slight increase in speed can greatly increase consumption. Do trawlers generally run their generators while under way? I would think the engine alternator and inverter should be able to handle an AC fridge. What is the norm?
Thanks,
Paul

[motion30]

Paul
Yes the alt should handle your power needs unless you wish to run the AC while underway . My experience with the lehmans is the less RPM the less fuel simple

[River Cruiser]

I have twin EH700 Hinos 175 HP NA in my Bayliner 3870. I've averaged 3 gph including gen time the last 3 years. Each trip I usually run a bit at wot to make sure everything is still working as it should. Mains average 90 hours a year & gen 65. I could do better if I stayed at 6.5 - 8 mph all the time, but sometimes I have to get on step to pass a tow or to get thru a lock without a long wait. I normally run at 1200 - 1500 rpm, half my time is with the current & half against, 3000 rpm is wot.