[gAiNiAc]

Originally Posted by Steeltrap

I've never really understood how so many people come to run out of fuel, unless they are risking a really long haul to the USA for example.

For starters, u-boats typically run at around 10kts. If you are constantly wanting to go faster because you are impatient, then you're wasting fuel and will run out of it eventually.

You can get greater range by selecting speed in kts rather than just ordering a telegraph setting. At ahead 2/3 you'll tend to do around 6kts, but you can get it to 7-8kts and still be at 2/3.

I use greater speeds only if in pursuit of something. I also use it on the home stretch, but am always careful about leaving at least a 1000km estimate from the navigator in my calculations.

I've never run out of fuel, even when doing a fair amount of the return leg at full.

Bottom line is you don't run when you can walk (modest speed will get you there with plenty of fuel to use for something important), don't run around at standard when you're in a target area (7kts is plenty, and in many weather conditions you're better served being at 30-40m at 1kt), and don't expect to get your fuel estimate down to the last litre when coming home.

Yup. I cruise in the Type 7's at 8 knots. Plenty of gas.