How much time to you spend at "cocktail speed" vs on plane?

This year it seems as though I am needing to get somewhere so probably 80% or more on plane at 20 knots and 20% sound 7.5 to 8 knots.
 
I would say 50/50 as well... from the marina to the gulf at cocktail speed and then plane to the places we want to go....
 
I used to be 90% on plane (20 knots) and 10% at 9 knots. This summer, I've changed that up and we really enjoy the 9 knot cruise We're probably 60/40 now (cocktail/on plane). I rarely, or never go WOT.
 
We've only had our 390 MY since July, but I'd say we're about 60% cocktail, 40% planing. One of the cruise settings on my engine controls is 1,050 RPM, which gives me about 9 kts at 4.7 GPH, and it's less noisy so we can converse and I can hear the VHF. Also, if you put credence in what marine diesel guru Tony Athens says, these engines will last almost forever when operated at the lower power bands most of the time.
 
30% at cocktail, 68% on plane, 2% WOT. I gotta let those 415 horses out of the barn.

Not a fan of cocktail speed but have to slow down for the family once in awhile. I say this tongue in cheek but... I kinda rate the success of my boating season by the amount of $$ I spend on fuel. The higher the bill, the more fun I had.
 
seems i can only go to about 7-7.5 MPH or else up on plane. anything in between and i am plowing with the bow pointed up. i would like to cruise at maybe 10-12 MPH but it seems so wrong with the boat in that attitude?
 
boatman37 said:
seems i can only go to about 7-7.5 MPH or else up on plane. anything in between and i am plowing with the bow pointed up. i would like to cruise at maybe 10-12 MPH but it seems so wrong with the boat in that attitude?
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Try running with the tabs down at lower speeds if you have them. Or, make your family and guests sit on the bow :)
 
80% cocktail speed, set the autopilot and enjoy the company while in open water. Being on plane is too much work.
 
sea hare said:
80% cocktail speed, set the autopilot and enjoy the company while in open water. Being on plane is too much work.
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I'm with you on this one only I'm around 95% cocktail speed. I set the autopilot, turn on the RADAR perimeter alarm and enjoy the moment and the cruise. It helps only getting 1.8nmpg rather than .7nmpg too!

On our trip to the Abacos last year, once we left Stuart I didn't touch the controls until we anchored at Great Sale about 8 hours later.
 
Quite an interesting thread. Cocktail speed really shouldn't involve the pilot in command drinking at all..... At least not in my area of operation. I often feel I need to speed up a bit for stability but really like moving nice and slow. If a blow boat wasn't so much work, that might be fun to me.

Now I'm sad I'm sitting at my desk working today.
 
I am suprised at the numbers I'm reading here. Other than no wake zones we are cruising on plane. I just assumed other than trawlers most cruised the same way. I learn more and more everyday :)
 
boatrboy said:
I am suprised at the numbers I'm reading here. Other than no wake zones we are cruising on plane. I just assumed other than trawlers most cruised the same way. I learn more and more everyday :)
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It all depends on the boat and why you are travelling. For us it's hard to make dinner at 17kts. but we can do it. When we slow to 9kts. the boat is level and the ride is smooth. It may make the trip a 9 hour trip rather than a 4-5 hour trip but we are not as fatigued. When you factor in the "combined wind" that can also make you fatigued. Running 17kts in a 10 kt wind for 6 hours is a pain.

Besides, the mermaids don't like to be bounced off the bow...
 
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