Discover how fleets track and reduce fuel usage…
Trawler fuel consumption
by Alex
Expert answer:
Quick answer
Trawlers (fishing or cruising boats) often run at displacement speeds, burning a few gallons per hour. Larger engines or faster speeds can spike usage to dozens gph.
Detailed answer
Trawlers are designed for long-range cruising at lower hull speeds, maximizing range. Smaller pleasure trawlers with single diesel engines might burn 1–3 gallons per hour, letting them travel hundreds of miles on modest tanks. If you speed up beyond displacement speed, the hull faces more drag, escalating fuel consumption to 10+ gph.
Commercial trawlers or large vessels for offshore fishing can use significantly more fuel, especially if they run bigger engines or need extra power for nets and gear. Still, trawlers remain among the more fuel-efficient hull designs for extended journeys. Keeping hulls clean of marine growth and engines tuned optimizes consumption. For long hauls, that difference can slash costs and expand cruising ranges.