On 2008-01-02 10:24:05 -0500, druid said:

On Jan 2, 12:27 am, Jere Lull wrote:

At 5 knots (not 5.5), you're probably in a good ballpark. Average speed
makes a real difference.

aYup!
Knotmeter says 5.5, pretty much 6 WOT, but 5 is more realistic for
navigation purposes. Once I win the lottery (or at least a
scratch-n-win...) and put in the 2GM20F, I'll use 5.5 (maybe even 6).
And you're right: that 1/2 knot makes a HUGE difference!

Don't bother re-powering. First put a better prop on, then perhaps rebuild.

We repowered Xan when we first got her, but won't do that again. Love
the motor and it turned out to be right for us, but we could have
gotten more boat (with a working engine) for the initial payout.

BTW, we can hit 7+ WOT, but cruise about 5.5 at about 1/3 gph. Of late,
we're likely to poke along at 5 & 1 lph.

About the only time I *effectively* used WOT, we were motor-sailing to
beat some squalls. Averaged over 8 for that hour and just made it to
the dock as they hit. Felt good, but one time in 15 seasons isn't
sufficient reason for the expense. Every other time, we merely got
closer before getting smacked.

--
Jere Lull
Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD
Xan's pages: http://web.mac.com/jerelull/iWeb/Xan/
Our BVI trips & tips: http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/