The wife and I are planning to leave next October for the Keys from Kentucky lake. We have a plan of doing something each week towards making this happen. The Boat itself (84 Islander 28) doesn't need much other than a bottom job next summer and I think I want to switch to a 3 blade prop. It needs all the lighting upgraded to LED's and new anchor light. It has a real nice dodger and bimini. Would like a new radio with AIS and new alcohol non pressurized , but that's about it other than a dink.
Been waiting to do this trip for five years, so it's time!
Planning on doing marinas two days a week ( promised the wife ) for supplies, long hot showers, laundry and just seeing the sights. We'll be anchoring out the rest of the time. Come April we will have to decided if we are going home for the summer or finish the loop.
Have to find out the g2m's fuel consumption in gph.
Hope to meet some of you along the way. We are going to take it real slow and enjoy the sights along the way.
Been reading Captain Johns website on doing the Great Loop he has a lot of good Ideas about the loop. He should have I think he's done it 6 times. Interesting web site if you have ever thought about doing the Loop.
http://www.captainjohn.org/Frugal2.html
I sort of figured out my 2gm's fuel consuption some time ago but neglected to write it down. But, I think it came in a little under .5GPH when cruising at an economical 5 knots, and somewhat more than .75GPH when pushing it to the limit (6 knots plus or minus a bit).
Clearly, going a little slower was much more efficient. But diesels like to run hard. Now-a-days I tend to push peddle to the metal whenever I can to keep everything working good. It also ensures that at least one tank of diesel (around 17 gallons since I had the tank repaired) is fully used every year, keeping the fuel more or less fresh.
IF I were cruising long term, I might plan on cruising at the economical RPMs for most of the time; but push it for a good hour or so periodically to keep it clean.