How to best conserve fuel?
 

Any advice guys on the best method for consering fuel when on long patrols?

I usually will patrol at 1/3...maybe Standard depending on how close I am to port.

Obviously, the faster you go the more deisel you'll burn.

does it make a difference if you go to periscope depth and use the electric engines and when the battery is low surface again and continue at 1/3? I wasnt sure how this effected things as one engine will be used to charge the battery when surfaced right?

7 knots is the best speed to conserve fuel in the type VII / IX
5 knots in the type II

been able to use the electric engines on surface would be nice some times :(

in real life could you use the electric engines on surface?

should so..

Yes you could! It was one of the standard procedures later on in war to depart with e-maschinen just to avoid exploding mines. Well of the port in not so shallow water, diesels where started.

I think that travelling at surface at 1/3....2/3 is good compromise speed --- fuel.

also you can dive at day and going at low speed until the night arrives for charge the batteries.

one problem is the later years of the war . at night the planes can catch you surfaced with his radar and attack you without option to dive in time. :dead:

in this case could be better surface at day and hide at night, or use snorkel.

The art of conserving fuel must include PATIENCE!

I do most patrols on about ahead 2/3 because it seems to leave fuel after the 24 hours patrol is done so that you can go on a free hunt and make it back home.

Re: How to best conserve fuel?
 

Depends on how much patience you got :) Going ahead slow obviously saves a lot of fuel for those quick dsashes to intercept something. Then again, it sure takes time to get anywhere like that.
An example: I'm on a third patrol on a row to Caribbean in IXB. Going ahead slow on surface, submerging in bad weather, dangerous areas and just to listen in known shipping lanes again ahead slow until oxygen level drops to 50%-> surface to recharge. Took five weeks to reach the grid (DO84) but still got about 70% fuel left, which is a good thing since there're lotsa planes around here and the merchs travel at medium/fast speeds. Was it worth it? YES.
So, using your batteries to a modest level(50%) and going ahead slow is the most fuel economical way to travel but it doesn't suit everyone. You simply have to make up your own way.

"Right lads, when I hit this drum, pull on those oars."