21EC top for Wanderer

[Pilotnavigator]

I posted pictures of my new top in the photo album for Wanderer. Took it out for a run today, up to 3.5 hours on the engine so far. We are running it between 1500 and 2000 RPM and move from 4 to 6 knots on GPS. Weather was cool and with moderate wind and 2 to 3 foot waves. Boat ran very good. Canvas was tight and kept the cockpit nice and warm.

 

[SGIDAVE]

I posted pictures of my new top in the photo album for Wanderer. Took it out for a run today, up to 3.5 hours on the engine so far. We are running it between 1500 and 2000 RPM and move from 4 to 6 knots on GPS. Weather was cool and with moderate wind and 2 to 3 foot waves. Boat ran very good. Canvas was tight and kept the cockpit nice and warm.

Hello John,

That looks like a FIRST CLASS canvas top. Congratulations.

Regarding the exposed bar above the canvas...is that where the rocket launchers go?

/dave

 

[Pilotnavigator]

Bar is for a future solar panel if needed. I will have three house AGM batteries and one starter AGM so a solar panel is not 100percent, but while the guy was welding parts I wanted to keep the option open. Since the main 2 inch tube is over the old rod holder there is an easy way to feel wires to the batteries. Will be off for a 5 week cruise August 1. I already booked a canoe trip to the NWT - Nahanni River in July before I decided to get the new boat so your cruising had to be delayed.

 

[SGIDAVE]

Bar is for a future solar panel if needed. I will have three house AGM batteries and one starter AGM so a solar panel is not 100percent, but while the guy was welding parts I wanted to keep the option open. Since the main 2 inch tube is over the old rod holder there is an easy way to feel wires to the batteries.

Hello John,

I'm curious, WHERE do you have the (3) house batteries stowed? Is the start battery under the engine box?

Thanks,

dave

 

[Pilotnavigator]

The batteries are AGM Group 27. One starter and house in the engine box on end to fit. the other two in the rear port side locker, by the charger. As you know the AGMs can be mounted in any orientation. To get larger batteries in the engine box they have to be mounted on end and thus I had to go to AGM over wet cells. All batteries are the same Size and type to ensure proper charging.

 

[rt11002003]

I don't think you're following the engine maker's recommendations. Usually, max rate rpm is around 3,000. Diesels like to run at 80 to 90% of max rated rpm.

I never liked to run at the recommended rpm, but did run it at that rpm a portion of every hour. Or, 10-15 minutes for shorter trips. I was faithful to the shutdown procedures.

 

[SGIDAVE]

I don't think you're following the engine maker's recommendations. Usually, max rate rpm is around 3,000. Diesels like to run at 80 to 90% of max rated rpm.

I never liked to run at the recommended rpm, but did run it at that rpm a portion of every hour. Or, 10-15 minutes for shorter trips. I was faithful to the shutdown procedures.

HEllo Gene,

I haven't heard from you in a while. Hope your doing ok; are you surviving in a "tug-less" state?

I think John was referring to the 'break-in' period on a BRAND NEW engine. I've not personally had the privilege to go through that process meself except for a small kicker outboard...but I think there is a process whereby you gradually work up to 80+% throttle settings.

dave

 

[rt11002003]

Methinks I may have spoken too quickly. I was using knowledge gained through previously owned Volvo and Yanmar diesels.

I went to the Volvo site and looked at their info. Couldn't dig up an operators manual, but did find a marketing document that mentioned cruising rpm of 1800 to 2300 rpm. The rated hp was given as a range: 2800 to 3200 rpm. So their cruising rpm of 1800 is well below the 80% of 2800 rated rpm. A similar situation exists at the 3200 rated rpm.

So you're not running too much below their recommended (marketing document) rpm at an approx. 300 rpm difference.

 

[rt11002003]

Hi Dave. Being without a tug causes withdrawal pains. I must be desperate; looking at ads for R25SC, R29 and Albin 30 FC.

Like I said, "Methinks, I spoke too soon." One should always follow the operator's manual. The last time I recall seeing a variable rpm/speed break in procedure was for a BMW motorcycle. Of course, my memory may be fading. 😀

Hope all is well with you and the other R21 owners.

KEEP TUGGING!

 

[Handy]

Hello Folks.
I also have a ranger 21, new to me. I'm new to boating and so far this boat has been outstanding.
When you are cursing what rpm do you normally try and maintain? So far and I have only been out 3 times I have tried to keep 2,500 on the Volvo.

 

[SGIDAVE]

Hello Folks.
I also have a ranger 21, new to me. I'm new to boating and so far this boat has been outstanding.
When you are cursing what rpm do you normally try and maintain? So far and I have only been out 3 times I have tried to keep 2,500 on the Volvo.

Hello Handy

Wel...when I'm CURSING I go FAST! :lol:...otherwise, I usually operate my Yanmar 3YM at 18-2200 for normal cruise. That yields SOG of 5.5-7.5 mph depending on tide current. These figures are arbitrary However I find this range results in adequate forward progress with acceptable noise, vibration, and fuel consumption. At 2500 or more rpm I consider 'fast' cruise which is an oxymoron in a 21EC 🙂.

I'm curious...with which model propeller is the Volvo supplied. What are your WOT rpm?

dave

 

[Pilotnavigator]

Not sure about the prop, will take a look when it is out of the water, perhaps the factory can offer the prop size. A quick rev of the Volvo seemed to show WOT at 3200. Speed into a head wind and 2-3 foot chop was 5.8 knots at 2000. When I dropped to 1500 speed was 4.2. All on the gps. Since the conditions were rough we will try again when it is calm. We also were adjusting the rpm up and down by 200 every 5 minutes. At first the sweet spot was 2000 when the Volvo seemed to be happy. Now after 3.5 hours it seems to run smooth anywhere between 1500 and 2000. We ran it at 2200 for a few minutes and got mid 6 area. We will spend a few more hours on It before we start our cruise.