Tracking fuel consumption across the Pacific: why it matters

Lauren Landers Sailing diligently logged engine hours since Panama, recording each time fuel was added and how much, as well as time spent at idle versus cruising speed. That data lets you build a reasonably accurate picture of how much diesel remains in the tank even without a reliable fuel gauge. The risk of not doing this is illustrated clearly: departing for a nearby island without knowing your fuel state means the worst-case scenario is running out mid-passage, which would also signal that the engine is consuming more than expected and may have a deeper mechanical problem. Stopping at a fuel dock before departure both solves the immediate concern and resets your tracking baseline.