Cruising Range Calculator

Calculate how far your boat can travel on a tank of fuel at various speeds. Factor in reserve requirements for safe trip planning.

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How It Works

The Coast Guard rule of thirds: use one-third of fuel going out, one-third returning, and keep one-third in reserve. This accounts for currents, wind, rough seas, and detours. Cruising range varies dramatically with speed — a boat getting 2 NMPG at 30 knots might get 4 NMPG at 18 knots. Displacement hulls are most efficient at hull speed; planing hulls have a fuel-hungry transition zone between displacement and planing speeds.