To own and sail a boat in the UK, one must have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) to operate a vessel with an engine of 10hp or more. This can be obtained through an accredited boating safety course. Offshore sailing regulations do not require a license, but for inland waterways in the UK, such as the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads, a boat licence is required.
The most common yacht fuels include diesel, gasoline, biofuels, natural gas, propane fuel, and electric or hybrid fuel systems that combine diesel and electric power. Safety regulations and insurance are necessary for boat owners, and boats usually need to be registered for use on inland waterways.
Sailing yachts can travel all over the Mediterranean with pure and clean solar energy without sacrificing comfort. Electric propulsion is an environmentally friendly option, as it can minimize emissions by using up to 15% less fuel. The sustainable yacht Ya, crewed by Peter Hoefnagels and various guests, sailed around the world without using fossil fuels. The goal of Sustainable Sailing is to be greener and more environmentally friendly, offering a unique charter experience with no diesel, gas, or petrol.
As fuel costs rise, a no- or low-fuel sailing yacht charter vacation powered by wind makes sense for both the pocketbook and the environment. The Ya’s eco-conscious research yacht offers a unique charter experience, providing an energy-neutral and comfortable on-board life. With fuel costs on the rise, a no- or low-fuel sailing yacht charter vacation powered by wind makes sense for those looking to explore the high seas in the UK.
📹 Man Living Off-Grid on a DIY Solar Powered Sailboat – 100% Fossil Fuel Free
Simon has transformed this derelict sailboat into an epic off-grid solar-powered and fossil-fuel free cruising catamaran. He’s been …
How much fuel does a sailing yacht use?
On average, smaller pleasure yachts with fuel capacities ranging from 200 to 1,000 gallons tend to be more fuel-efficient. They often feature modern technologies and hull designs optimized for reduced resistance and better fuel economy. As a rough estimate, these yachts can consume around 20 to 50 gallons of fuel per hour at cruising speed. Larger luxury yachts, such as superyachts and mega yachts with fuel capacities of 10,000 to 50,000 gallons, may have higher fuel consumption rates, averaging around 100 to 500 gallons per hour at cruising speed.
If you are looking to get the most out of your yacht, then you cannot go wrong with marine diesel services and products for marine vessels that are designed to make every trip out on the water smoother and better than the one before. Luckily our expert marine rebuild specialists are able to provide all of the assistance you could ever need.
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How much does it cost to fill up a super yacht?
For the price of filling up think about that think about when you go and fill up for your car. The cost of filling this boat up with fuel.
Are yachts expensive to run?
Let’s walk through a sample yacht and the yearly running costs with full transparency of a 10-million-dollar yacht. Your major costs will be yacht crew, dockage, fuel, and maintenance. Please understand everything is variable based on those decisions plus the age of your yacht.
Owners can expect to spend about 10-15% of the purchase price annually on operating and maintaining a yacht. That’s $1-1.5 million a year for a $10 million yacht. The bigger the boat, the more crew and salaries you need. There are also other crew costs, like medical and liability insurance, training, and uniforms.
When you are not exploring the world or sunning on the deck in St. Barts, the yacht needs a place to dock. Dockage costs vary depending on how big the boat is and how desirable the marina is. You can lease a dock monthly or purchase a dock.
Like most things, yachts get wear and tear — they require regular maintenance and repairs. Routine maintenance can cost roughly 2% of the boat value after the yacht’s first year, and around 7.5% of the boat’s value when the yacht is 10 years old. That is not including surveys and refits.
Does sailing require fuel?
Benefits of Wind Power. Wind is a sail boat’s primary source of energy. It is free, renewable, and requires only relatively simple technology to harness it. Wind energy is captured through the use of sails, which are designed to catch the wind and use it to propel the boat forward. This does not require fuel or other external sources of energy. The use of wind power is one thing that makes sailing vessels unique and environmentally friendly.
Other Energy Sources. Some sailing boats utilize auxiliary engines. This is very convenient when the wind dies down, and there is not enough wind available to move the boat. While the ancients sometimes became stuck at sea, waiting for the wind to come back up, modern sailors can use an engine to get them out of this kind of situation. Auxiliary engines can be powered by diesel or gasoline fuel, or alternative sources like solar or electric power. Recently, some companies have been developing hybrid boat engines, to allow your sailing vessel to be eco-conscious even when there’s no wind to power them. However, people who love to sail usually only use these engines as a last resort, preferring to rely on the wind.
The Glory of Wind Power. Wind power is still the primary source of energy used to keep sailing boats in motion, with good reason. Sailing under the power of the wind allows you to experience nature in all its glory, and wind power can be harnessed through the relatively simple technology of sails. Sailing can be an adventure sport or a meditative experience, depending on the sailor’s preference. There are sailing vessels meant for one or two people, and sailboats designed to hold a crowd. People use sailboats, under the power of wind, to cruise the coastline, enjoy wildlife spotting, and thrill to the sport of racing.
Do yachts need fuel?
Fuel is one of many annual running costs of a yacht. Not only does the yacht need fuel for cruising; the generators require it to keep the vessel running while at anchor and underway. As well as this, many of the water sports toys require it too.
Some yachts cross the Atlantic Ocean twice a year between the Mediterranean and Caribbean while others embark on world cruises. That equates to a lot of fuel.
So How Much Do They Really Consume?. According to the Yachting Pages, the longest Superyacht in the world, 180m M/Y Azzam, holds 1,000,000 litres of fuel. To put it into perspective, that is the equivalent of filling a regular hatchback car 23,800 times. Or, six Boeing 747 commercial airliners.
What happens if a boat runs out of fuel?
- What Should I Do if I Run Out of Gas on My Boat?. Stay calm, and take steps to secure the boat and your crew.
- Make sure everyone on board puts on a life jacket.
- Drop your anchor to maintain your current position.
- Call for assistance—that may be to a friend, marina manager, or professional boat towing company, like Sea Tow or TowBoatUS.
- Be prepared to give the precise longitude/latitude location from your boat or cell phone’s GPS.
- Conserve battery power for radio communication andre-starting the engines.
- If your boat is disable in a dangerous situation, never hesitate to contact local law enforcement or the U.S. Coast Guard for immediate assistance.
Securing Your Boat in Place. If you do run out of fuel, stay calm as you assess the situation. The first step is to secure the boat and your crew.
Start by getting everyone on board into life jackets (which they really should already be wearing already), so everyone is ready if the situation deteriorates.
How far can a yacht go on a full tank?
The general rule is the bigger the vessel, the larger the fuel tank. For instance, a 75-foot motorized vessel that can carry 11,000 litres of fuel can travel about 1500 nautical miles, depending on conditions, whereas a 35-45 foot motorized yacht with a 100-litre tank can travel about 400 nautical miles.
However, a larger fuel tank doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get that much further, since a larger boat would typically weigh more, have a larger crew, have more items contained inside and have more equipment—just to name a few variables.
Follow These Steps to Determine How Far Your Yacht Will be Able to Travel on A Single Tank of Fuel:
Do you need fuel for a boat?
There are boat engines, like pleasure boat engines, that can run on either gasoline or diesel fuel. Gasoline engines are far more common in pleasure craft than diesel ones.
If you’re unsure what fuel to use, refer to your engine manufacturer’s fuel and oil specifications.
Diesel boats run on the same fuel used in diesel cars (called #2 diesel fuel). Gas boats run on fundamentally the same gas that gas cars do, but there are a few details about what type of gas not to use in your gas boat that are worth understanding.
How long can a yacht go without fuel?
A 75-foot motor yacht, equipped with a full fuel tank, has the potential to cover impressive distances. The exact range varies based on factors such as the yacht’s fuel efficiency, cruising speed, and environmental conditions. On average, such a yacht can travel anywhere from 500 to 800 nautical miles before requiring a refuel.
Which Goes Farther, a 75-Foot or 35-45 Foot Motor Yacht?. Size matters, but so does the type of yacht. Understanding how different sizes of motor yachts affect travel can help those looking to charter a yacht make informed decisions.
The travel distance of a motor yacht is influenced by various factors, including hull design, engine efficiency, and fuel capacity. While a larger yacht generally has a larger fuel tank and can cover more ground, advancements in technology and design mean that smaller yachts can still achieve impressive ranges. To put it simply, it is difficult to answer with certainty which yacht would travel further, but if you have some examples of yachts in mind, our team would be more than happy to answer your question in more detail.
Can ships run out of fuel?
Ships do not “get out of fuel”, they run out of it since they contain their own fuel when they leave port. Once they have “set sail”, they are on their own. The maritime shipping channels are what ships use, like highways to get from A to B.
Is yacht fuel expensive?
The exact price you are looking to pay per gallon depends on the marina you find yourself in. By looking at several price points of marinas, we get the following: Average diesel prices range from $3.2-$3.9 per gallon. Average petrol prices range from $7.2-$7.8 per gallon.
Yacht captains have many responsibilities when it comes to the management of their vessel. One of them is keeping track of expenses, which is why it is important to familiarize yourself with the vessel’s operational costs. Keeping a luxury superyacht afloat isn’t cheap, and many claim that the average annual cost ranks up to 10% of the vessel’s price.
From these expenses, a significant portion goes to fuel. Filling up the tank of your boat is quite pricey, which is why a growing number of boat owners want to know exactly how much they are looking to spend for their upcoming voyage. This is also important for people who want to charter a boat for their holiday.
If you’re wondering how to best estimate the costs involved, you’re in the right place. This article will help you calculate your vessel’s yacht fuel cost while giving an overview of all the criteria used as variables. To make the process even easier, we link to a yacht fuel cost calculator to help you get an indication of the expenses you’ll need to cover. Let’s delve in!
How much does yacht fuel cost?
The exact price you are looking to pay per gallon depends on the marina you find yourself in. By looking at several price points of marinas, we get the following: Average diesel prices range from $3.2-$3.9 per gallon. Average petrol prices range from $7.2-$7.8 per gallon.
Yacht captains have many responsibilities when it comes to the management of their vessel. One of them is keeping track of expenses, which is why it is important to familiarize yourself with the vessel’s operational costs. Keeping a luxury superyacht afloat isn’t cheap, and many claim that the average annual cost ranks up to 10% of the vessel’s price.
From these expenses, a significant portion goes to fuel. Filling up the tank of your boat is quite pricey, which is why a growing number of boat owners want to know exactly how much they are looking to spend for their upcoming voyage. This is also important for people who want to charter a boat for their holiday.
If you’re wondering how to best estimate the costs involved, you’re in the right place. This article will help you calculate your vessel’s yacht fuel cost while giving an overview of all the criteria used as variables. To make the process even easier, we link to a yacht fuel cost calculator to help you get an indication of the expenses you’ll need to cover. Let’s delve in!
📹 How to manage electrical power on a sailboat using NO fossil fuels!
We now have so much solar that we can run our air conditioners off of the batteries! This video was originally going to be about …
Simon, I’m blown away by what you have done, not just with this catamaran, but with the way you live your life. If you ever swing by the Spanish banks in Vancouver where I park my ’87 Class-C Motorhome alot of the summer, look me up! I’m bursting with questions on the solar kit you have built, not to mention your water maker. My camper is really just a step toward my dream of a boat, and I even pretend its a boat. Lord knows it drives like one.
This is the best boat article I’ve seen on Youtube so far. I lived off-grid on a self-built solar rig for 8 years, so I have some basics, and I’m interested in Wharram designs and catamarans in general, and I’m simplicity-oriented, but I also appreciate your calculations and real-world example of just how many panels needed, given electric propulsion, etc… and I DOUBLE appreciate that this is not some consumer-boatshow-oriented $$$$ vaporware that we may “one day see” out of our price range. I can begin calculating some things, thanks to your article.
Simon, quite amazing. I just happened upon one of your articles today. You got it going on buddy….keep it up. The first step is the hardest. I am 61 and considering the same. Will be perusal your articles for inspiration. I like the fact your so upfront about your experiences. There is so much to learn even though I used to be able (in my distant youth) to handle up to about 40′ foot of sailboat solo thanks to my father. All maintenance too…stinkpot backup power….yep!? Moving them in and out of the water…pain in the u kno what!! Stepping the mast….fun I can do without. But, this independent lifestyle appeals to so many in this currently crazy world. Much to learn from you about the technical aspects of “off the grid”. perusal, listening and doing work best for me and others like me who have a hard time reading technical data. Thank you! Mike. Lake Erie …Ohio side ; )
While the Wharram’s original design was for sailing, the absence of a mast and sails makes the boat a powerboat and not a sailboat. My wife and I have converted our 40′ sailboat to electric propulsion and are powered my solar energy. Our primary propulsion is wind, since we are a sailboat but our auxiliary power is comprised of two 10kw electric motors, delivering about 40hp to the propeller shaft. At anchor, we live like kings, just like an apartment. Underway, we can maintain 3.5 knots indefinitely, with bright sunshine. We haven’t had an electric bill in 7 years and we occasionally run our air conditioned, always have ice in the freezer, and frequently watch movies projected on the bulkhead screen. It’s a great way of life, if you can handle the upfit. The advantage to your design is the real estate across the top. The advantage to our design is that we can easily move at a moment’s notice without regard for our state-of-charge and can regeneratively charge our battery banks while sailing.
Wow! Amazing dedication to forging your own way in life – truly inspiring stuff. If you’re going to claim ‘100% fossil fuel free’, though, I need to point out that those batteries, solar panels, really anything plastic/rubber is going to be produced from fossil fuels. I think this is an important point – which does not take away from this mans incredibly inspiring story and truly uplifting message – because we need to be realistic in our understanding of what benefits we reap from using fossil fuels. I believe the world is too obsessed with being driven away from fossil fuels in a misguided (and greedy) way instead of putting an emphasis on balance between energy sources. All that being said, I hope to one day meet Simon and shake his hand!
Simon !!!!!! Chillest dude I met at the 2017 RTR Quartzite AZ. Tall slim accomplished chef too he cooked incredible meals with his little black skillet. I’m glad I didn’t know who he was when I met him. I think I would have been a little star struck. Also got to meet a lot of other YT website pilots.
Wait till you see the modern versions of atmospheric electricity using all the new modern inventions we have today. I was considering putting an array flexible solar panels as a square rigged sail. However the new innovative rigid sail is better. You are learning the skills that you will need when you are ready to voyage. Really good points about the zen aspects of sailing.
Just started perusal. I really hope you get it sailing. You should look into those electric motor things where the prop charges your battery while you’re sailing. I can’t remember right now but there’s a sailing couple that has a YouTube website that has one. I really hope you get some sails on it soon!!
Wow! You’ve really made something happen here! I’m an old mech eng and built a cottage 20 years ago – with solar, wind, solar thermal, a solar powered barge etc…love what you are doing!!! As I’m sure you’re aware the key for heating is to overdo the insulation on your cabin – I heat my house near Toronto with heat pumps, but I insulated to the hilt (e.g. 2×8 walls)
Something to Try. In summer IF the water temp is cool 20- 30 feet down you could drop a hose down and pump that water through a coil to cool your boat. Also, it’s more maintenance but a water source heat pump will make less noise, is more efficient, all components are below deck and no defrost cycles.
I pulled the diesel out of my monohaul too. Swapped out for a OceanVolt last year. I don’t have nearly as many solar panels but I have wayyyy better batteries. I’m under sail 95% of the time so nbd. The only issue I faced was ballast which is easy enough to fix. Even though the motor was mounted on the centerline, I listed hard to port until I fixed the ballast
I am not yet a boater, but I do live off-grid in a yurt, and have built a very nice solar system from scratch. Someday, I would like to create a much smaller coastal cruiser and do The Great Loop. I am a self-employed jeweler/sculptor, and could do my work onboard. Your vids are very informative. I enjoy perusal. Thanks:)
just found you dude and seen you where talking about sailing at some point, not sure if you have even thought of this yet but you could double up so that you not needing to worry about your solar. You can achieve this by putting your masking just before you roofed solar panels, dont worry you wont stop production of them what you can do this by lifting you solar panel up above your sail but you run your sail onto a rotating mask below your static panel mounts. you could even have your bird nest up there too run cargo nets on the rear side for storage I love you boat man amazing. I just about to start the nomadic living in E bike camper from scotland to south africa and hopefully buy little plot land to work and the dream is to then have boat out of the beach to be able to then go sailing and like yourself I am planning do this with nothing but patience and adventure awaiting 😀
I share your dream and passion and love what your doing and done. What you have done is something I always wanted to do myself and to see you fullfiling your dream has motivated me. Renewable energy is the way, solar, wind turbines its something i feel very strong about. Water without chemicals. A duel or triple hall is what im looking at, wanting to island hop in the west indies not paying for energy or water. Overtime on the cost and money spent will be made back on what I’m saving. What is a better way of life, after all life is ment to enjoy not to be a burden.
Solar power is fantastic for those sunny areas of the planet. .oh and provided there’s water. I really think when people do this they should if possible help others do the same, either as a business or provide help to those who want the same. I know that even without sun, there’s still power going to the 🔋 🔋. Keep on truckin.
I think you are very switched on and maybe a wind generator while you are coasting so you put back into your motors using wind coming towards the boat while you are using your solar pushing forward what a terrific idea I had thought about the very same idea 5 years ago now you have re lit the candle for me Simon maybe look at a ex tourist boat that uses solar I think you are on the rite track Simon I just wanted to say good on you M8
Great movie, thank you. About heating, since solar to battery to heat pump is not a high efficiency system, I suggest (also) a small thermal solar pannel, something not bigger tham 2-3 sq.m, then collecting the hot water at 95C in a small tank, about a ton, well thermo-insulated. Solar thermo are about 3 times more efficient, DIY, extremely cheap and simple and the “battery” is just water. Chech out the math, it might cover the nights, after a sunny day. In the summer, you can use a small extraction (serpentine or similar) to pre-heat the stuff before cooking, when you need the whole electric power for traveling.
Always been my passion living on the water man named John brixey down in Arkansas can’t read or write but he was very good with his hands some people wouldn’t believe what he has he invented the water hog company called little brothers stole a patent from him didn’t slow him down much though he still lives on two barges with a mansion man-made handmade awesome article take care
You could run that diesel on vegetable oil and hook it up as a generator to charge your batteries. Good to see your success. Consider buying a heat pump. The design of a heat pump from scratch will not be efficient. Thermodynamics are more complicated than you think. Buy one off the shelf. They are available and super efficient and will even take direct DC solar. Building your own heat pump will waste your time and money. It’s a rabbit hole you don’t want to go down. Take my word for it. I’m a licensed power engineer with refrigeration certification and I could not build the efficiency that I wanted with such things as variable speed compressor and efficient reversing circuit for heating and cooling as well as water heating. Best of luck on your project!
If you added a plank drive system you don’t need power to get around you don’t need wind he’s just too. In the water shows down 20 feet in the water the two poles are buy a plank the plane is on a pivot when there’s ways under the water when the boat rises or if the wave underneath moves it causes the plank to movie forward the planks on a pivot and hinged so that as the boat goes up and down it causes you to glide forward it’s not real fast but it is zero energy imput I saw this on a brief article with a and the water seemed like it was almost like a mirror and the guy moved out at a pretty good walking pace
Great stuff. Unfortunately here in Australia such a vessel is subject to an inspection and yearly licensing fee’s, and then where you going to put it?, buoy fee’s or marina fee’s?, you’re choice. Need to get into the real world here, sure we can all make one of these but lets hear about the local laws covering them.