Fuel Miser

Where Next?
Bob Williams
Thu 3 Mar 2011 04:34
At anchor Baie de Taiohae, Nuka Hiva
Wind: Light, variable
Weather: Partly cloudy, showers, warm.

Yesterday I went to the service station with Vincent to get some diesel and butane. Unfortunately I could not get my old gas bottle filled but had to buy a whole new  bottle even though the fittings are the same. Oh well, it wasn't a completely rediculous price.  On return to Sylph I filled the diesel tanks from one of the jerry cans and found that I couldn't even squeeze in 20 litres before the breather pipe was overflowing. I can't remember when I last topped up but it certainly was back in Chile somewhere, I think Concon over three months ago. I was very surprised to find out that I had used less then 20 litres of fuel in three months! I like to sail and try to motor as little as possible but still run the engine on a regular basis to recharge the batteries particulrly when there has been little sunshine to recharge the batteries through the solar panels. I checked my records and worked out that I have only run the engine for 50 hours in the last seven months. So I think I can say I continue to do my bit to reduce green house gas emissions.  Somehow I don't think it is going to be quite enough.

All is well.