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

We are night time boaters and probably spend 95% of our time either floating or cruising with both motors at a high enough idle to keep the motors warm so the heaters keep the cockpit warm.
 
I guess I'm in the minority here; but if I'm not in a no-wake zone then I'm on plane. We're 95% cruising 5% impatiently waiting to get to an area where we can get on plane.
 
I think that when you are running hard the whole time that you not only burn more fuel you also miss opportunities...

For us, there are a lot of discussions about life that happen on the front of the boat.


My two boys and a friend discussing pre-teen life -
13600130_10204970555903943_6301507985031660114_n.jpg
 
I go fast enough to maintain steerage way. I've experienced thrills, now I'm enjoying life.
 
What is the definition of cocktail speed? I have an '02 260DA.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
cgschaefer said:
What is the definition of cocktail speed? I have an '02 260DA.
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For me, "cocktail speed" is running the engines at around 1,050 RPM which gives me 8-9 kts and only burns about 4.5 GPH. A little faster than 'no wake' speed, with much less noise and a smoother ride than planing speed. For those with gas engines, I'm guessing they run closer to 2,000 RPM for cocktail speed.
 
Joel_MD said:
For me, "cocktail speed" is running the engines at around 1,050 RPM which gives me 8-9 kts and only burns about 4.5 GPH. A little faster than 'no wake' speed, with much less noise and a smoother ride than planing speed. For those with gas engines, I'm guessing they run closer to 2,000 RPM for cocktail speed.
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1,800 rpm's gives me between 8 - 9 mph....that's our normal 'cocktail speed'.......

cliff
 
I'd say 50/50. If I had twins I would run off plane more. Steering a single engine off plane is a real pain in the ass. At my commercial job we run 4-5 knots constantly but twin counterrotating outdrives are the key and diesel is nice for this. My on plane speed is 3600rpms for the single gasser and a 4000rpm fast cruise is ideal but the 4bbl is already open at that point. Wish I had twins....never a single again.
 
Z-Worthy said:
I guess I'm in the minority here; but if I'm not in a no-wake zone then I'm on plane. We're 95% cruising 5% impatiently waiting to get to an area where we can get on plane.
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Not at all. Where you boat has a significant bearing on this question. On the Great Lakes, if you are going somewhere, you get up on plane and get moving. On many days, that is the only way to travel comfortably, due to wind and waves. Besides, diesels are made to run, not put-put around!
 
cgschaefer said:
What is the definition of cocktail speed? I have an '02 260DA.
Click to expand...

Joel_MD said:
For me, "cocktail speed" is running the engines at around 1,050 RPM which gives me 8-9 kts and only burns about 4.5 GPH. A little faster than 'no wake' speed, with much less noise and a smoother ride than planing speed. For those with gas engines, I'm guessing they run closer to 2,000 RPM for cocktail speed.
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For me, cocktail speed is slow enough to sip a cocktail and enjoy a conversation with guests. Speed and RPM's will vary with everyone.

ziekman@cox.net said:
+ 1, to include no alcohol for anybody, until tied up for the night.
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It goes without saying that drinking and boating can be dangerous. However, I think the decision to operate and drink is up to the discretion of the captain. Just like driving a car after a beer or two. Know you're limit and don't put yourself, your guests or anyone else at risk.

I respect everyone who chooses to not operate a boat with even a sip of alcohol. My rule is no alcohol prior to any water sports (tubing, skiing, wake boarding, etc.) When the activities are done, I will have a few beers while cruising, floating, on the hook or at a restaurant. Again, I know my limit and never drive impaired -- but a day on the lake is enjoyable for me with a few cold ones.

For the drinkers, don't be stupid. For the non-drinkers, don't preach to those who choose to indulge safely.
 
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We do about 75/25 cocktail to plane. Most of our overnights at not that far away. Get up on plane to help keep the bottom clean.


Sent from somewhere in the Mist
 
80-20 cocktail to plane
hard to enjoy a beautiful sunset at speed
 
It really depends on where we're going. If we're on our way past the locks and in the Puget Sound, we're probably 90% on plane. If we're just doing an evening or weekend day cruise around the lake, it's cocktail speed 100% of the time. One of the things that I appreciate about power boating is that we're able to just get going and get where we want to go. The Cummins captain that came to give us an overview of our boat did tell us that diesel engines like to be run and don't do well if they're rarely opened up and run at a higher RPM.

It is interesting how much your location affects the type of boating you're able to do. We're extremely lucky to have so many marinas, anchorages, lakes and rivers where we can boat in Washington State.

Sandy
 
Too hot in FL at cocktail speed. If I'm on my boat 90% on plane. If I'm driving my friends 350 Sundancer the same. We generally have destinations to go eat or swim so the trip is half the fun, and many of our destinations are 30-45 minutes on plane.
 
ziekman@cox.net said:
+ 1, to include no alcohol for anybody, until tied up for the night.
Click to expand...

I don't mind if my guests drink while we're cruising, but I don't drink anything with alcohol in it until we're tied up or the anchor is down for the night.

Here's my definition of cocktail speed. We are moving at about 6kts at 550rpm's, idle speed. 45 mpg. Just kidding!
20160803_195425 1.jpg
 
We just completed a week long trip to SF Bay and up the river to Petaluma and covered over 165 miles. Probably 130 of these were on plane so I could get where I was going on time. We did cruise slow up the Petaluma River for a nice relaxing ride after 35 miles on plane as well as letting the tide rise more since it is shallow where we had to maneuver to dock.
 
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