I thought it might be appropriate to write about how I plan a holiday, or indeed just a trip from Brundall to Beccles or Oulton Broad.
My first task is to check the tide tables (http://www.norfolk-broads.org/tides/tide_report.asp?StartDate=18/06/2013 14:12:06).
I then plan to go through Reedham (on the South Broads) at slack water, about an hour after low water, whichever way I am going. I then get pushed up the Yare or the Waveney, either way.
Going Norrh or returning South I aim for slack water at Great Yarmouth Yacht Station, about 1.30 after low water. This also gives me a good push up the Yare or Waveney and if I'm going North I may well stay at the yacht Station for an hour or so in order to get the full benefit of the flood up the Bure.
It's not rockert science and doesn't take long to work out!
But "Why bother?" I hear.... Fuel Consumption is the answer.
Let's look at the Fuel Consumption graph for our Nanni 50bhp diesel... a common Broads Cruiser engine.
If I select 1400 rpm then my FC is just on 1 L/hr and this will give me just short of 6mph with a +1.5 mph tide behind me.
If I go head to tide and want to maintain the same speed then I'll need between 1700 and 1800 rpm. That will up my FC to either 2 or 2.4 L/hr.
If I was daft and went along with the throttle to the wall, as some do, them I'm up to 5 L/hr..... I rest my case!