New Player With Questions About Speed, Fuel

[BrewerAlpha]

Hi all, I'm a new player, getting used to cruising around in Silent Hunter 3 before I start my 'serious' campaign. Is 'ahead standard' a good speed to get the most range out of my fuel supply? When I played with unlimited fuel I usually cruise around at 'ahead flank' - obviously I can't do that when I play at high realism.

[Trool323]

2 thirds would be better but it depends how far your going really. air cover is heavy late in the war too you'll be under water most of the time running from planes...

[BrewerAlpha]

So by 2/3rds you mean "Ahead Full"?

Oh yeah, and on an unrelated note, how fast does the player character get promoted?

[Wreford-Brown]

If you're looking for the best fuel economy there's a Fuel Economy mod that will change your 'Ahead 1/3' (#2) key to the most economic for your sub type. Details are on my mod page: http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=137713

[BrewerAlpha]

Thanks, your mod page actually led me to another thread where I found out you can ask the Navigator for a 'maximum distance at current speed' report that actually turned out to be just what I was looking for.

Unfortunately for me, I'm stuck in the Type IIA and have to putter along at a measly 6 knots.

[Ping Panther]

Welcome aboard BrewerAlpha!

You may find that running submerged on for a while; especially during daylight transits for added cover, will allow you to conserve diesel fuel.

Good hunting!

PP

[comet61]

1/3 is OK...usually runs about 10knots. However, I flip the dial in the game to show the "knot" settings instead of the speed position indicator. On type VII's on normal cruise settings I will place it either 8 or 9 knots. That alone can increase your range by almost half if not more. I will go to 9-11 knots in heavy seas and 2 knots (normal cruise) while submerged. I usually use the higher setting of "standard/full/flank" while either in pursuit or setting up a firing solution or fleeing....

On the Type IX's, I usually set the speed a knot higher than I do on the VII's. To me, getting the correct setting while on patrol will increase the patrol by several days if not weeks. Just keep your foot off the pedal and only use it when totally necessary.

[Weiss Pinguin]

Usually I just set speed to Ahead 1/3 and plan my patrol around that. When submerged 3-4 knots unless sneaking, in that case no more than 2 knots.

[Pisces]

Find the sweet spot by asking your navigator for distance to go at present speed. If you set that speed (about 8 knots in type-7, but Wreford-Brown's mod works easiest) then you'll have no worries about fuel anymore. (well with a type-2 maybe)

If you go slower wil drain your fuel just as quickly (same time) as the 'best range' speed. The distance you can travel does reduce. However, the shorter distance is made up for the slower speed at which you travel. You'll roughly be able to spend the same time at sea at a slow speed up until best speed.

If you go faster you'll drain the fuel tank quite quickly. I mean, the possible distance you can go shrinks, but at a higher moving speed it also means you'll reach that distance earlier. But do not let this discourage you from intercepting your target at fullspeed. Tonnage is more important than fuel economy. But flankspeed is not enough speed gain for me over full speed. So I never use it unless I need to avoid ashcans.

If you experience bad weather then your speed is reduced. But I don't know to which extent this increases fuel consumption. I just leave it be unless I need to move at a specific speed, like follow a contact.

And keep in mind the reported distance is the total amount. It has to be further than the sum of the route to your grid square and the return trip (with enough kilometers/fuel left for the hunt ofcourse).

[mookiemookie]

Originally Posted by BrewerAlpha

Oh yeah, and on an unrelated note, how fast does the player character get promoted?

It's based purely upon your tonnage score. GWX monkeys around a bit with the amount needed to go up in rank, and it's been years since I've played without it so I can't really remember how it was in stock!