T&T: Fuel Usage Comparison

[Robert Kassal]

Robin asked for a fuel usage comparison. Here is one I got last week from an
owner of a 48 Krogen whaleback. The boat has a round bottom, stabilizers and
weights near 60,000 pounds if I recall correctly. Power is a single 3208 Cat
natural (210HP). He runs eight knots at about 2.5 mpg.

My boat is a 48' Hatteras motor yacht with a hull form intended to provide
good handling at hull speed, but it can far exceed it. Weight loaded is about
50,000 pounds, stabilized, rounded bottom for the first thirty feet, and hard
chine the last 18. Power is twin 6V92TA Detroit's at 425 HP each. I burn 5.5
gph at 7.8 knots. The Krogen makes a much smaller wave, so the difference in
efficiency is easily seen.

Bob