Great Loop Tool
Great Loop Fuel Range Calculator
Use this to sanity-check fuel range before long or sparse sections. It is intentionally simple because false precision is dangerous: real burn changes with load, bottom condition, current, wind, sea state, speed, and engine health.
Range inputs
What to verify before trusting the result
- Actual usable fuel, not brochure tank capacity.
- Burn at the speed you will actually run, not best-case sea-trial burn.
- Known current and wind effect on the specific leg.
- Fuel dock hours, approach depth, payment limits, and seasonal status.
- A bailout stop if the preferred fuel dock is closed or unavailable.
How to use the fuel number
The calculator gives a planning range, not permission to stretch a leg. On the Loop, fuel planning should include usable fuel, reserve, current, weather, detours, dock closures, and the possibility that the comfortable cruising speed is slower than expected. A boat that technically has range for a leg can still have a poor plan if the only fuel stop is closed, shallow, crowded, or exposed.
The safest use is comparison: run best case, normal case, and ugly case. If the ugly case still leaves a meaningful reserve, the leg is probably reasonable. If the plan only works with perfect burn and perfect speed, shorten the leg or add a verified fuel stop.
Fuel checks before a sparse stretch
- Confirm the dock sells the fuel type you need and is open on your arrival day.
- Ask about depth, approach, current, pump speed, card limits, and transient tie-up space.
- Track actual burn from the last few travel days instead of relying on brochure numbers.
- Keep a bailout marina or anchorage in mind if speed drops or weather changes.
Fuel range mistakes
The dangerous fuel mistake is believing a calculated number more than the conditions. Current, wind, bottom growth, load, detours, generator use, and speed changes can all shrink comfortable range.
- Use actual recent burn whenever possible.
- Keep reserve fuel as reserve, not as planned usable fuel.
- Call fuel docks before depending on them in sparse areas.
- Shorten the leg if the plan only works with perfect conditions.
Publication notes
Written and maintained by TheCenterOf editors. Last reviewed: 2026-07-06. This page is planning guidance for boating and Great Loop readers. It is not a substitute for current charts, notices, marina confirmation, weather forecasts, official rules, professional advice, or onboard judgment.
Corrections, broken links, and first-hand route updates are welcome through the contact and corrections page.
Official sources to verify
Use this page as a planning framework, then verify current details before making route, safety, insurance, customs, or departure decisions.