When booking a boat charter in Marbella, fuel cost is often a hidden concern. Three of the most popular vessels — the Astondoa 40, Azimut 39, and Pershing 46 — have very different fuel appetites. This guide breaks down the real numbers so you can choose the right boat for your budget and itinerary from Puerto Banús.
Why Fuel Costs Matter on a Marbella Charter
Fuel is the single largest variable cost on any powerboat trip. While our all-inclusive rates cover fuel, understanding consumption helps you pick a boat that matches your planned distance and speed. For example, a fast run to Cala Cortés (15 NM each way) will burn far more fuel than a slow cruise along the Golden Mile. Knowing the litres per hour lets you estimate the real cost of your day on the water.
Astondoa 40: Fuel Consumption & Costs
The Astondoa 40 is a 12.5-metre flybridge cruiser that seats up to 9 guests. At a cruising speed of 22–25 knots, it consumes approximately 80 litres of diesel per hour. At €1.65/L, that’s €132 per hour. Over a 2-hour charter: €264. Over an 8-hour day: €1,056. Thanks to a relatively efficient hull, it offers the lowest fuel cost of the three.
Azimut 39: Fuel Consumption & Costs
The Azimut 39 is a 12.5-metre sports cruiser with a sleeker profile, seating up to 11 guests. It burns slightly more fuel: about 85 L/h at its typical 24–27 knot cruise. At €1.65/L, that’s €140 per hour. A 2-hour trip costs roughly €280; an 8-hour day costs €1,122. The difference vs the Astondoa is marginal — about €66 extra for a full day.
Pershing 46: Fuel Consumption & Costs
The Pershing 46 is a 14-metre open sport yacht built for speed. With twin engines pushing 35+ knots, it consumes around 110 L/h at cruising speed. At €1.65/L, that’s €182 per hour. A 2-hour run: €363. An 8-hour day: €1,452. That’s nearly 40% more fuel than the Astondoa 40. However, you get to destinations like Estepona or Sotogrande in much less time.
Fuel Cost Comparison Table
| Boat | Length | Pax | Fuel Use (L/h) | 2h Fuel Cost | 4h Fuel Cost | 8h Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Astondoa 40 | 12.5m | 9 | 80 L/h | €264 | €528 | €1,056 |
| Azimut 39 | 12.5m | 11 | 85 L/h | €280 | €560 | €1,122 |
| Pershing 46 | 14m | 10 | 110 L/h | €363 | €726 | €1,452 |
All figures based on marine diesel at €1.65/L. Actual consumption varies with sea state, load, and speed.
How to Reduce Your Fuel Bill
Even with all-inclusive rates, you can influence fuel use. Ask your skipper to cruise at displacement speed (6–8 knots) for the scenic parts of the trip. This cuts consumption by up to 70%. Also, choose a shorter itinerary: a 4-hour trip to Cala del Faro and back uses half the fuel of an 8-hour run to Estepona. Finally, the boat itself matters — the Astondoa 40 is the most fuel-efficient choice.
Which Boat Should You Choose?
If fuel economy is your priority, the Astondoa 40 is the clear winner. It offers the lowest hourly burn and the lowest total cost for any duration. The Azimut 39 is nearly as efficient while seating two more guests. The Pershing 46 is for those who want speed and don’t mind the higher fuel bill. All three boats depart from Puerto Banús and include skipper, insurance, drinks, and snacks.
For a complete list of our fleet, see our boat rental Marbella page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which boat has the lowest fuel cost: Astondoa 40, Azimut 39, or Pershing 46?
The Astondoa 40 has the lowest fuel cost, consuming roughly 80 L/h at cruising speed compared to 85 L/h for the Azimut 39 and 110 L/h for the Pershing 46. Over a 4-hour trip, you save around €33 vs the Azimut and €198 vs the Pershing.
How much does fuel cost per litre for boat charters in Marbella?
Marine diesel in Marbella typically costs between €1.50 and €1.80 per litre. We use €1.65/L as a realistic average for 2025. Prices fluctuate with global oil markets, so always confirm with your skipper on the day.
Does the charter price include fuel?
Yes, for our Astondoa 40 and Azimut 39 charters, fuel is included in the all-inclusive rate of €749 for 2 hours or €2,299 for 8 hours. The Pershing 46 is priced on request, but fuel is also included.
What is the cruising speed of the Astondoa 40 vs Azimut 39 vs Pershing 46?
The Astondoa 40 cruises at about 22–25 knots. The Azimut 39 cruises at 24–27 knots. The Pershing 46 is significantly faster, cruising at 30–35 knots. Higher speed directly increases fuel burn.
How far can each boat travel on a full tank of fuel?
With a typical 400-litre tank, the Astondoa 40 can cover roughly 120–140 NM. The Azimut 39 (similar tank) gets 110–130 NM. The Pershing 46, with a 600-litre tank, can cover about 150–170 NM at cruising speed.
Is the Pershing 46 worth the extra fuel cost?
If you value speed and a sportier ride, yes. The Pershing reaches destinations like Estepona or Cala del Faro in half the time. For a relaxed day, the Astondoa or Azimut offer better fuel economy and lower total cost.
Can I save fuel by going slower on a charter?
Absolutely. Reducing speed from cruising to displacement mode (6–8 knots) can cut fuel consumption by 60–70%. Your skipper can adjust the itinerary if you prefer a slower, more economical cruise.
What is the total cost difference between the three boats for an 8-hour charter?
The Astondoa 40 and Azimut 39 both cost €2,299 for 8 hours (all-inclusive). The Pershing 46 is priced individually, but with fuel included, expect €3,500–€4,500 for a full day.