Irie308
Well-Known Member
- May 28, 2013
- 2,599
- Boat Info
- 2004 420 DB, GHS Hydraulic Lift
Garmin 8600/Garmin 1222 plus
AB Mares 10 VSX with 30 hp Tohatsu
- Engines
- Cummins 450C 8.3 L Turbocharged
Someone recently posted a question on going at slower speeds for an extended period of time. Rather than hijack their thread i figured i'd post here since our DB is new to us and we are new to diesels as well. Aside from the relaxation that occurs at 8-10kts. It would be nice to get some feedback from those that cruise at slower speeds for an extended period of time and the steps you take to ensure you are caring for your motors (when do you open them up, engine hours etc). I've read up on ours via the 6 CTA thread as well as Cummins documentation for continuous loads but it really doesn't go into running them at slower speeds. I've also read up on the sweet spot for trawling on our boat (1200 rpm) and the fuel curves etc. I recently spoke with a Cummings tech who did work on our motors and he advised that they are much happier being run at 80% of WOT. Conversely we know those who run these motors at lower rpms for years without issues. Would be nice to get a feel for how many out there run at trawler speeds, when do you jump up on plane to ensure you are exercising your motors etc. For us if we're in no rush and the sea state is favorable we relax and trawl but when the trip is over and we want to get back home in quick time we jump up to 22-2300 rpms.