Boat Trip Calculator
Estimate your boat trip distance, time, and fuel use. Enter speed and distance to plan your voyage efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate my boat trip time?
Divide your total distance by your average speed. For example, a 50 NM trip at 25 knots takes about 2 hours. Learn more on Wikipedia’s nautical mile page (Wikipedia).
What units should I use for boat trip calculations?
Nautical miles (NM) are standard for marine distance, and knots for speed. 1 NM equals 1.852 km or 1.15078 miles. See NOAA’s distance reference (NOAA).
How can I estimate fuel for my trip?
Multiply your fuel burn rate (L/h) by the total travel hours. For precise estimation, use our Boat Fuel Consumption Calculator (calculator).
Does sea condition affect trip time?
Yes. Rough seas reduce average speed and increase fuel use. Adjust for about +10% to +20% time in moderate or rough conditions.
How long does it take to travel 1 nautical mile?
Time per NM = 60 ÷ knots (minutes). Example: at 20 knots, 1 NM takes ~3 minutes. Review knots definition on Wikipedia (knot unit).
How far can you travel by boat in a day?
Depends on speed, sea state, and daylight. A small cruiser averaging 18–22 knots might cover 150–250 NM in fair conditions. Always account for weather, fuel stops, and safety margins (see NOAA Marine).
What is 25 knots in mph and km/h?
25 kn ≈ 28.8 mph ≈ 46.3 km/h. Unit factors: 1 kn = 1.15078 mph = 1.852 km/h.
What is a realistic top speed to assume for planning?
Most planning hulls cruise below 40–45 knots; >110 knots (124 mph, 200 km/h) is atypical for production boats. Plan conservatively and validate with your vessel manual and sea trial data.
Is there a difference between statute miles and nautical miles?
Yes. 1 NM = 1.15078 statute miles = 1.852 km. Nautical miles are based on latitude and used for navigation (see U.S. Coast Guard).