Throttle management while cruising

[JDMerkel]

I'm curious how you more experienced skippers manage your throttles while on extended cruises. What percent of the time do you spend at displacement speeds VS planing? Am planning a trip to lake Powell for a week mid September & really want to get to know my 268 & see what kind of "legs" she's got. Any suggestions?

 

[Westie]

I spend all my cruising time on plane. But if I was on a small lake I guess that might change.

 

[jmunro123]

I have done it both ways, at displacement speed range doubles.

 

[1990-270-da-lover]

On longer trips I run at 8 to 10 knots most of the time. As stated above it cuts fuel burn by half or so and since the extra speed is only another 12-14 knots for the extra fuel I see no reason to rush.

 

[mistercomputerman]

I am in the Chesapeake Bay right this minute, running at 3500 rpms, doing 21 knots, burning 38.0 gph, with an economy of 0.55 mpg, 493 miles into a 630 mile trip.

It probably depends on how far you have to go and how long you have to get there and back, plus how deep your wallet is.

 

[carterchapman]

How's the last leg weather Rick?

 

[mistercomputerman]

following sea, 1 -2 feet
about 30 miles from home.

 

[Paladin]

I have one 454/7.4liter on mine, and when the water is calm enough I cruise at about 3100 or 3200 rpms which I think keeps two of the four barrels closed but keeps me on plane and moving along. I don't care for cruising at displacement speeds for too long, if the water allows it. But San Francisco bay is pretty choppy pretty often, so I spend plenty of time at displacement speeds. I only go about eight or ten miles at a time though, stop, do something, come back. Not long distance stuff. On Lake Powell you'll be able to find a nice spot where your engines are happy and the hull is happy, and you'll experiment around that sort of combination of adjustments. Have fun!

 

[CV-23]

We run off plane 2/3 of the time with the 270DA. My other boats run on plane all the time. The 270 does run awesome at 4200rpms / 34mph but that's 4bbl action. It is a very responsive hull for an 8,000lb ride. Never really run WOT at 4600rpms very long but it's nice to know it's there. 1500rpms gives us 6mph and no spilled wine! The Sundancer is a relaxation ride but is a true Sport Cruiser at speed, Mike.