Introduction
When potential clients contact us, one of their primary questions is often, "What's the range?" My background spans sailing, where fuel is seldom a worry, to racing powerboats, where one accepts steep fuel costs. As I focus on fuel-efficient catamarans, understanding and improving fuel range has become a critical aspect of design, construction, and business.
Why Fuel Range Matters
Efficiency and speed are synonymous with comfort. The DEMEY 60, our 18-meter semi-displacement catamaran, is designed and built to maintain nearly level trimming at all speeds, featuring a subtle 100mm bow lift that is almost imperceptible onboard. This design characteristic ensures the vessel maintains stability and efficiency, whether cruising at a brisk 22 knots or taking it slow. The semi-displacement hull design offers a smooth ride, transforming potentially monotonous 'Groundhog Day' passages into enjoyable expeditions, halving long-distance travel times.
Superior Fuel Capacity: Breaking the Norms
Many boats of similar size lack the fuel capacity to maintain high speeds over long distances, typically reducing their speed to around 8 knots to extend their range. This limitation can turn exciting long-distance voyages into dull, repetitive experiences. The DEMEY 60 defies these norms, boasting significant range improvements with a 10,000 ltr fuel capacity; for instance, travelling from Auckland to Fiji takes just over 2.5 days at 18 knots, roughly the same from Sydney to Hamilton Island, a speed that efficiently covers miles without raising safety concerns typically associated with higher speeds.
Fuel Consumption and Range: The Numbers Speak
At 18 knots, the DEMEY 60 consumes 5.77 litres per nautical mile, achieving a range of up to 1733 Nautical miles—a standout figure considering the reduced range other vessels experience at similar speeds. At 22 knots, the consumption slightly increases to 6.01 litres per nautical mile, yet still supports an impressive range of 1660 nautical miles. For those preferring a relaxed cruise, fuel consumption drops to just 3.1 litres per nautical mile at 10.25 knots, extending the range to a maximum of 3225 nautical miles.
For comparison, I just got the latest Australian 58 Production Launch press release. It has 14 ltrs per Nautical mile over various cruising speeds and a 320-mile range, and this isn’t also considering what the generator is burning through, say, if you’re running the air conditioning all day …… you must be kidding me—you’re living at the gassa, or all you have is a floating apartment that you can't take anywhere !!
Refuelling: Less of a Hassle
Refuelling can involve stress over wind conditions, maintaining position while waiting your turn, and securing assistance—often not the best job for a spouse if marital harmony is a priority. The DEMEY 60's designed lightship mode carries around 4000 litres of fuel. That is a lot of extensive cruising within familiar waters, reducing the need for frequent refuels; most Sydney boaties, for instance, may only need to fuel up once a year to stay in lightship mode.
Max Speed and Performance
Efficiency doesn’t sacrifice performance in the DEMEY 60. Capable of reaching a top speed of 30 knots, this catamaran excels as a long-range cruiser and a vessel perfect for those who value quick, agile voyages across the water.
Conclusion
The DEMEY 60 merges high-speed capabilities with impressive long-range efficiency. It is ideal for anyone looking to cruise comfortably at higher speeds without constant concern over the next fuel stop, leading to a bad case of range anxiety. Whether for island-hopping adventures or ambitious transoceanic passages, the DEMEY 60 ensures you can travel farther and faster, redefining the experience of speed, stability, and remarkable fuel efficiency.