Return to base/refueling

[mwe1967]

Do you ever have to actually return to base under 100% realism or some other settings instead of just clicking on "exit patrol"? At 100% realism it would seem you would have to return to base before you got below half fuel and actually sail safely back to base.

Also how do you make it across the Atlantic? I went to a patrol grid off the coast of France, almost halfway out in the Atlantic and I was under half fuel when I got there. There's no way I would be able to make it to the US and back without refueling. Is it possible to refuel at sea in later missions?

[Sailor Steve]

First of all, what type of boat were you in. In a Type VII, sailing at 1/3 speed (9 or 10 knots) will get you anywhere in the eastern Atlantic (off Britain or France) from Wilhelmshaven or Kiel using only about 25% of your fuel. That leaves you several weeks of patrol time if you head back home with 35% left (gotta make sure, you know). Make sure you're not running out there at Standard Speed or faster. That will use up your fuel way too fast.

If you're starting from France in a type VII you should have plenty of fuel to reach mid-Atlantic and back, if you do your cruising at 1/3 Speed.

[mwe1967]

Ahh..ok, thanks! Didn't think about that. I've been cruising around at standard speed (thinking standard meant standard as in optimal fuel/speed performance). I forget what type of boat I have, I'm early in the first career (on my 8th patrol) and it's the first one that has a aft torpedo, the VII-B I think.