MARITIME – PROPULION & PERFORMANCE CALCULATOR
Outboard Fuel Consumption
A precise tool.
What is the Outboard Fuel Consumption & How does it work?
Outboard engines convert mechanical power into thrust, and the amount of fuel they burn is directly linked to the power output required for a given vessel speed.
When the throttle is reduced, the engine delivers less power, which proportionally lowers the fuel flow. The fundamental relationship can be expressed mathematically:
F = P \times \frac{T}{100} \times \frac{SFC}{\rho}
F = fuel consumption (L/h), P = engine power (kW), T = throttle setting (%), SFC = specific fuel consumption (g/kWh), \rho = fuel density (kg/L)
By inserting the rated power, the selected throttle position, and a typical specific fuel consumption value, mariners can quickly estimate hourly fuel use and plan refueling stops more accurately.
Parameters
Result
β
Frequently Asked Questions
How does reducing the throttle affect fuel consumption?
Reducing the throttle decreases the engine’s power output, which lowers the fuel flow proportionally.
What is the formula for calculating outboard fuel consumption?
The formula is F = P Γ T/100 Γ SFC/Ο, where F is fuel consumption (L/h), P is engine power (kW), T is throttle setting (%), SFC is specific fuel consumption (g/kWh), and Ο is the density.
How does specific fuel consumption (SFC) affect fuel consumption?
A higher SFC means more fuel is consumed for the same amount of power, increasing overall fuel consumption.
What units are used in this calculator?
The calculator uses liters per hour (L/h) for fuel consumption, kilowatts (kW) for engine power, percentage (%) for throttle setting, grams per kilowatt-hour (g/kWh) for specific fuel consumption, and typically kilograms per cubic meter (kg/mΒ³) or pounds per gallon (lb/gal) for density.
Can I use this calculator for different types of outboard engines?
Yes, as long as you have the correct engine power, throttle setting, specific fuel consumption, and density values for the specific outboard engine model.
How does the density of the fuel affect the calculation?
Density affects the calculation by converting the mass flow rate (in grams per hour) to a volume flow rate (in liters per hour), which is necessary for determining fuel consumption in liters per hour.
Results are for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional advice.