Silkapvideo

DIESEL ENGINE FAILURE during a long Panama-Mexico crossing | sailboat Silkap

October 22, 2023 · 13 min · 2K views · Gulf of Papagayo

What this video covers

The crew of the sailboat Silkap faces a potential fuel shortage while transiting from Panama to Mexico, having consumed half their diesel supply within the first third of the journey.3:17 With light winds forcing heavy reliance on the engine, the pair calculates their remaining range to determine if they must divert to Honduras for refueling.5:02 They compare two methods: one based on nautical miles per liter and another based on engine hours and average speed.7:06 After covering 277 nautical miles, they hold 180 liters of diesel and estimate a remaining distance of 492 nautical miles to their destination.7:43 They establish a critical threshold for diversion, planning to reassess their fuel status upon reaching the latitude of Honduras.5:39 After 23 hours of sailing, they confirm they have sufficient fuel to cover the remaining 309 nautical miles, even if wind conditions fail and they must motor the rest of the way.11:53 Calculating fuel consumption against remaining distance and engine hours provides a reliable buffer for long-distance passages.

Watch on YouTube

More from Silkap

Wired to Lose: Why Your Brain Refuses to Win at TradingJan 2026Our Radical Plan For Financial Independence (At 50)Jan 2026From World Sailors to HOMELESS: 5 Lessons on FreedomJan 2026No more fixing the boat... Fixing our BODIES. (Health SOS)Dec 2025

From Silkap — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.

Report an issue