Starting the Loop in 4 weeks Tugs and Cuts imput

[BB marine]

We are starting our first segment of the Loop in August. Home port is Racine Wis. The first segment is Racine to Chicago, Illinois river, Mississippi River, Ohio River, Cumberland River to land between the lakes and the start of the Tennessee River we will be cruising for approximately 4 weeks. My biggest concern is Fuel! The Cutwater 26 has a 80 gallon fuel tank and I'm estimating that 10% is not usable. Most of our cruising has been done on Lake Michigan at 3200 rpm 7 gph and 14mph 2 mpg. I have kept a log every time we take the boat out and have recorded fuel consumptions at different speeds but none of them have been sustained for any great distance and a boat loaded with provisions for an extended cruise. We only had it on the Tennessee River once and cruised approx. 120 miles because we spent most of our trip at the AGLCA Rendezvous. I'm now planning our trip and see a few places where fuel could be a concern. My average fuel consumption from going thru my log book has been approx. 3mpg over all. There is Peoria IL. to Grafton Il. 168 miles between fuel stops. Then Hoppies to Green Turtle Bay 240miles. There is a stop in-between Kidds but require 75 gal. minimum fill ,( hard to do with a 80 gallon tank) 107 miles from Hoppies. My question to Tugs 25 and 27 and Cutwaters 26 and 28 that have done this trip. What speed did you find adequate for running the river and and maintain the fuel needed to make these distances? I know most of the trip I will have a current in my favor, all the way to the Ohio. I have heard from some 4 to 5 mph Mississippi and others say 2 to 3mph, Illinois 1.5 mph normal stage, faster if there is high water. I think my hull speed is about 6.5 mph and 1.6 gph 4mpg on the lake with no current. I know I can carry extra fuel cans but prefer not to. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for any input on the subject.
Brian Brown
26 Cutwater
PORT-A-GEE

 

[knotflying]

Where is Hoppies? We launched our boat on Kentucky lake and traveled all the way to Apalachicola FL and never had fuel purchase issues. Depending on current we ran at speeds between 6.5 and 8 kts. You can set your GPS up to give you data showing distance with remaining fuel and adjust your speed accordingly. We would fill up whenever possible.

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

I'd suggest you make contact with Kidd's to inquire about arranging fuel for 2 boats at one time, for more then the minimum for one single boat. Additionally you could carry a couple of 5 gallon fuel containers for this part of the trip as well as for the Gulf Crossing. Mike....Hoppies is located on the Mississippi south of St Louis.

Jim F

 

[tlkenyon]

Brian,

We are starting on (about) September 10 from Ottawa, Illinois. We will probably end bump into y'all along the way (figuratively speaking). I am concerned about the available range also, especially on the reach from Hoppies to Paducah. If we get together, we can probably meet the minimum purchase requirement. Let's stay in touch.

TK

 

[Cutwater28GG]

seems to me your best option is to drop the speed down to hull displacement speed say around 6-7 knots for the longer distances and get 1GPH so about 7NMG. this is a range of 560 Nmiles from 80 Gals. Seems plenty.

 

[tlkenyon]

In my R25sc, I get about 5 statute mpg at 1400 rpm and 7 mph (statute units are used on inland waterways), yielding a theoretical range of 400 miles for a full 80 gallon load.

The problem is, not all the 80 gallons is actually usable (or should be). For starters, getting 80 gallons actually in the tank is a real challenge. Following other advice from this forum, the top half of the tank is to be used routinely, the next quarter is reserve, and the bottom quarter is for the emergencies. This really yields only about 60 gallons at best, using the reserve...but probably more like 55 gallons, for a theoretical range of 275 miles, which would seem to be adequate. But then there is the approximate 45 mile stretch of upstream travel in the Ohio river...against a current of 2 to 5 mph, depending on the river stage. This either requires more RPMs or more time, both of which are fuel consumers. There are also possible lengthy delays at the 2 locks on the Ohio (one under construction and the other in rather poor repair) and at the lock getting into Kentucky Lake, all of which can eat into the fuel budget. On the positive side, the fuel dock at Paducah is supposed to be open soon, if not already, cutting off about 20 miles or so.

My plan is to keep up a GPS speed of about 7 mph, which will take advantage of the 2-7 mph current in the Mississippi, and substantially reduce fuel consumption. Obviously, this is problematic on the Ohio, but that distance is shorter. The Paducah stop is helpful, and the Kidd fuel stop is a great option, especially when with another boat to meet the minimum fuel purchase requirement. I am considering a 5-gallon can, more as a peace-of-mind measure...

Should be an adventure...

TK

 

[BB marine]

Thanks for responses ! I have looked over my log and found a few small trips with fuel runs of 3.52 mpg with an average speed of 7.27 mph with a .8 mph current Wheeler lake Tennessee river. I also found a trip only 8 miles, 1580rpm 6.5 mph 1.1 gph 5.9 mpg .I can make that but I don't want to rely on those numbers based on one trip. It is amazing how much a small increment in speed makes that much difference in economy ! I have more then 300 miles of river running before I hit Hoppies I will fine tune my speeds and calculations using the Garmin. I will take two 6 gallon cans for piece of mind.
Tk
We will be leaving Ottawa Heritage harbor on Sept 1 and traveling till 15th ! We will see how far that gets us. It would be great if we could get together ! Fun and Safety in numbers

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

Keep in mind you will be going with the current all the way to Cario and therefore be using a lot less fuel. However when you turn the corner to head up the Ohio River you'll feel the drag....more RPM's, more fuel to go at the the same speed. The favorable current on the Mississippi should help in your fuel calculations.

Jim F

 

[CaspersCruiser]

There are also possible lengthy delays at the 2 locks on the Ohio (one under construction and the other in rather poor repair) and at the lock getting into Kentucky Lake, all of which can eat into the fuel budget .... I am considering a 5-gallon can, more as a peace-of-mind measure...

I hate to tell you this, but the lock at Kentucky Dam has chronic delays as bad or worse than Dam 52 on the Ohio River. I just spent a week boating on Kentucky Lake and there were towboats above and below Kentucky Dam waiting to transit every time I boated near the dam or drove on the bridge below the dam. Many folks take the 15-mile longer route to Green Turtle Bay by going 10 miles above Paducah on the Ohio to the mouth of the Cumberland River and then up the Cumberland and transit the lock at Barkley Dam. I know some folks seem to be charmed and get right through Kentucky Lock, but others can't even get them to respond to a radio call.

A 5-gallon aux tank is a good idea. And if you attempt the Kentucky lock, take a good book.

 

[tlkenyon]

We are almost certainly gonna stop in Paducah for the National Quilt Museum. At that point, I can get a read on the timing for the Kentucky Lock and maybe head onward to Barkley. There is supposed to be diesel available at Paducah this summer, but I have not heard anything definitive. I could also walk my 5-gallon can to the nearest gas station...multiple times if needed <groan>...as an alternative to the quilt thing. 😀

TK

 

[CaspersCruiser]

We are almost certainly gonna stop in Paducah for the National Quilt Museum. At that point, I can get a read on the timing for the Kentucky Lock and maybe head onward to Barkley. There is supposed to be diesel available at Paducah this summer, but I have not heard anything definitive. I could also walk my 5-gallon can to the nearest gas station...multiple times if needed <groan>...as an alternative to the quilt thing. 😀

TK

I used to live in Paducah and still visit a few times a year. There is not a gas station within a reasonable walk of the riverfront. I would be shocked if diesel was available by this fall. A basic transient dock is complete so you will have access to town. There several restaurants within walking distance.

 

[tlkenyon]

Thanks for the heads up on walk-able access to fuel. I can only hope that the fuel dock is done by about October 1 or so when I come by there.

TK

 

[Scottfree]

Scottfree will be starting the Great Loop the last week of August launching in Sault Ste Marie Ontario. We are trailering it from Kelowna BC and anticipate a week to get to our launch. Hopefully we will see some fellow Tugnuts on our trip. We have the yellow Ranger 29 with the hardtop on the Tugnuts home page photos.

Fuel range has been an ongoing discussion so this was a good read. I'm more concerned I'll sail right past critical fuel stops!

Good luck on the Loop!

 

[BB marine]

There are some variables to consider, current speed down stream Mississippi + . Delays from Lock and Damn 52 and 53 and Current speed upstream Ohio -. Confirmation of a full tank at fill up, because of the poor delivery of fuel from deck fitting to fuel tank. ( I use my Garmin calculations, fuel left and fill at a fast rate until I get to the last 6 gallons and fill at a very slow flow rate. I have my paper towels ready and my mixture of dawn soap and water to spray into the water for the over flow. T Open the engine hatch and check my fuel tank with flash light to confirm it is completely full. Enter fuel added to Garmin.) Next variable is fueling at Kidds, 75 gallon minimum. If there is another boat traveling with me that would consider fueling there, problem solved. Other option is pay for 75 gallons of fuel and have piece of mind with some real expensive fuel on board , problem solved $. I'm comfortable making to Paducah but its a stretch to make it another 41 miles to Green Tuttle Bay Via the Cumberland River. Carrying an extra 12 gallons will help. I am going to locate a number and call Paducah town hall to get information on the new dock that was put in this year. I found this on active Captain hopefully this is true. This is a good test for fuel range

Where is Hoppies? We launched our boat on Kentucky lake and traveled all the way to Apalachicola FL and never had fuel purchase issues. Depending on current we ran at speeds between 6.5 and 8 kts. You can set your GPS up to give you data showing distance with remaining fuel and adjust your speed accordingly. We would fill up whenever possible.

. I was told by a Gold Looper that the trip between Demopolis Yacht Basin and Dog River Marina (Tenn Tom Waterway) is approx 230 miles without fuel stops. Bobby's fish camp doesn't have Diesel. Mike do you recall how much fuel you used in this stretch of your trip and is this statement accurate?

Good Luck on your Loop trip Scottfree . We will already be done with our segment this year and back home by the time you get in our area. We live in Lemont IL. very close to the Joliet Wall Bicentennial Park ( free 30 amp power, use a lot of Fenders ) which is a stop of point for many loopers. Its just before the Brandon Road lock. If you stop there and need provisions or a transportation for the evening contact me and I would be glad to assist.
Brian Brown
26 Cutwater
PORT-A-GEE
Good luck on your Loop Trip Scottfree

 

[tlkenyon]

My understanding is that the trip from Demopolis to Dog River is either downstream or lakes, which makes it a bit easier.

See You On the Water!

TK