Crusing in Euurope with 2 stroke 40 Hp Johnson

[Bill Battle]

I am an American, VERY inexperienced with boats and am currently in Holland. My plan is to buy a small boat and tour as much of Europe as possible before September.<br />I have found a small 7 meter cabin boat that has everything I need.<br />My main concerns are engine relibility and fuel economy.<br />The engine starts ok and sounds good, there are no obvious knocking or other abnormal sounds.<br />The salesman told me that this engine uses about 1 liter per hour at slow speed crusing of about 8 to 10 km per hr.(3.6 liters = 1 US Gal. and 1.6 km = 1 mi.)<br />Does this sound reasonable?<br />As you may know gasoline is expensive over here and I will need to get at least 4 or 5 miles per gallon if I am to stay on my budget.<br />I would welcome any other advice that anyone can give me about living on a small boat.<br />Thanks<br />Bill Battle

 

[Spidybot]

Re: Crusing in Euurope with 2 stroke 40 Hp Johnson

Hi Bill Battle,<br /><br />Yep - gas does cost a lot in Europe. If you go by the rule "one liter per nautical mile" you won't be far off. 40 hp on a 7 m boats certainly will keep your speed low - and may make the motor work hard thus consume a lotta fuel. For reference, a 40 Yamaha on a 5,60 m Uttern cabin consumes 0,55 litre/nm when cruising at 19,5 knots (4600 rpm) - carrying 2 persons. Boat weight is 510 kgs, prop is 10 5/8 x 12.<br /><br />The motor year also has an influence as fuel economy is better on late models.<br /><br />Remember when cruising in Europe, that many lakes and rivers/canals are available and provides calm waters. The open seas though could be quite an experience - very rough waters with strange waves and odd winds etc. Also notice, that many lakes etc. have restrictions on boating.<br /><br />If you're going to use a trailer, remember that allowed weights differ from the US. Apart from that, European rivers and canals are great to cruise. Great historical places, wineries and much more.<br /><br />Enjoy!

 

[Spidybot]

Re: Crusing in Euurope with 2 stroke 40 Hp Johnson

-just wanted to add, that fuel quality (octane) is much higher and constant in Europe. The cheapest and lowest quality is some 92 Octane unleaded, so your outboard will run great on any you can buy. Remember to use oil specified for outboard use. Preferably a brand that is known to be good (ie. OMC's or Merc's appointed oils).

 

[rolmops]

Re: Crusing in Euurope with 2 stroke 40 Hp Johnson

Hello.<br />The Dutch AAA is called ANWB(pronounced aah ann way bay)They are very helpful and if you are an AAA member you should get their full service.<br />If you can, stay off the Amsterdam -Rhine Canal,the rivers Rhine ,Meuse and Waal.These rivers and canal are extremely heavily traveled by up to 300 foot long river barges that will have a waterspeed of up to 20 knots per hour.Their wake is no joke and they go both directions while there is no left or right lane.The old canals and the smaller rivers are great.When you go upstream to Germany,Belgium or France,you should count on plenty of locks with waiting time and expenses.When you are on the small canals and rivers you will have to pay every time they open a bridge for you.<br />There is a canal in Germany that connects between the river Rhine and the Danube.That is your ticket to make it to the black sea.<br />VERY IMPORTANT.The markers and lights on European waters follow different codes and colors from the American ones,but they are the same all over Europe.<br />Last but not least.You are traveling close to the best beers in the world. <br />Enjoy.

 

[Spidybot]

Re: Crusing in Euurope with 2 stroke 40 Hp Johnson

BTW: Visit the Boating Holidays companies' sites for inspiration. They know all about places and waters to go.<br /> Nicols France and <br /> Crown Blue Line covers more countries and has lots of info.