Lucky Enough has a fuel tank capacity of 272 litres, but understanding what that means in practice requires looking beyond the headline number. Fuel cost, cruising speed, and how the boat is actually used on the Rideau Canal all play a much bigger role in real world range than tank size alone.
Marine fuel on the Rideau typically runs at about $1.75 per litre. A full fill from near empty therefore costs roughly $475, which makes fuel planning a meaningful part of trip planning rather than an afterthought.
As with most boats, we never plan to use the entire tank. A practical operating reserve is always maintained, and realistic range calculations assume a mix of slow and faster cruising rather than a single operating speed.
Fuel Use at Slow Speed (Primary Rideau Cruising)
Most of our time on the Rideau Canal is spent at slow, no wake speeds. For Lucky Enough, the most efficient slow cruise speed is about 7 km per hour, with the engine turning roughly 950 RPM.
At this speed, fuel consumption is very low at approximately 4 litres per hour.
- Hourly fuel cost: about $7
- Cost per kilometre: about $1.00
- Efficiency: roughly 1.75 km per litre
This mode of operation allows the boat to travel long distances comfortably and economically. Extended days on the water are entirely practical without significant fuel burn, which suits the pace and character of the Rideau Canal.
Fuel Use at Cruising Speed (Up on Plane)
When conditions allow and open water is available, the most efficient cruising speed is just up on plane at around 35 km per hour, with engine speed near 3,300 RPM.
- Fuel consumption: about 32 litres per hour
- Hourly fuel cost: roughly $56
- Cost per kilometre: about $1.60
- Efficiency: approximately 1.09 km per litre
While this reduces overall range compared to slow cruising, it allows distance to be covered efficiently when time, weather, or conditions make it desirable.
Mixed Use Range and Real World Planning
In practice, we estimate that about 70 percent of cruising time is spent at slow speed, with the remaining time at higher cruising speeds when appropriate. Using that blend, the average efficiency works out to about 1.55 km per litre.
- Estimated average range per tank: about 175 km
- Average fuel cost per kilometre: approximately $1.18
This blended approach reflects how the boat is actually used on the Rideau Canal and provides a far more realistic picture than relying on a single speed or best case number.
Practical Takeaway
The fuel capacity on Lucky Enough supports a flexible cruising style rather than a single use case. The same tank comfortably supports long, relaxed days at no wake speeds, efficient point to point travel on open stretches, and multi day trips without constant refuelling.
The headline capacity matters, but cost per hour, cost per kilometre, and realistic range are what truly define how far and how comfortably Lucky Enough can go.