[PUP] Fuel consumption Was: The right boat

[Scott Bulger]

Arild observed:  any long distance passagemakers do so while never venturing
more than 50
miles away from shore.  They cruise along the coastlines. Longest jump
between fuel stops is often
only a few hundred miles.

Scott replies:  Here is where the distinction between a passage and coastal
cruising become visible.  While a coastal cruiser would embrace such design
variables, a passagemaker must have the capacity for 2,500 to 3,000 miles of
transit.  
The owner may not choose to make use of it, but to be classified as a
Passagemaking capable vessel, this range should be considered a requirement.


On a personal note, while I will be making a journey as Arild describes
(mostly within 50 miles of a coastline) I hope to take on fuel infrequently.
It seems to me reducing the number of times you take on fuel reduces your
exposure to contaminated supply.  However, the case could then be made that
adopting this practice would result in a huge load of bad fuel, rather than
a smaller sample your filters may be able to deal with.  My perception is
I'd rather find out quickly the supply was bad and return (within distance
of the wing engine supply?) to the source and address the issue.  

Great points Arild, and as you suggest people investing in boats should
consider these variables as they apply them to their voyaging goals.  

Scott Bulger,  Alanui, N40II, Seattle WA