On the Technical Datasheet for the 4BY2150
http://www.yanmarmarine.com/theme/y...chnical-datasheets/PDF/4BY2-150 4BY2-180.pdf, it says Max RPM is 4000 RPM and Continuous Rating Output is 3600 RPM. I would assume the Continuous Rating Output would be Max Cruise RPM. This document also has the performance curves. Looking at the curves, my guess is you would get the best performance and mileage between 2200 RPM and 3300 RPM. (I am not an expert looking at the curves.)
According to page 9 of the Operation Manual
http://www.yanmarmarine.com/theme/y...-engines/Operation-manuals/BY2_OM_23OCT09.pdf,
"This engine is designed for pleasure boat
applications. The engine is designed to be
operated at: maximum throttle for less than
5% of its total operation time (30 minutes out
of every 10 hours). The engine should be
operated at cruising speed (3200 - 3300
rpm) for less than 90% of its total operation
time (9 hours out of every 10 hours)."
I would recommend going to 3600-4000 RPM for about 5 minutes every hour to clean out the carbon, then go back to cruise RPM. I hope the above information helps.
Back in 1983, when I was in the Navy, I got transferred to a new command who had just received new computers. Computers were new at that time. The other guys in my division were too busy on a project that was due, to teach me anything, so I was on my own. I did the tutorials for the computer and read the manuals. Next thing I know, I was being called the computer expert - just because I read the books. In 2010, when I ordered my boat, I read all the relevant posts on Tugnuts and C-Brats, then found and read the manuals for the Yanmar engine and Garmin equipment. I knew that with diesel engines if you gave it clean fuel and treated it properly, it would last forever. Well, I am hoping this will be the last boat I will buy (unless I hit the lotto), so I want to take care of the engine so it will last. I just retired, so I want this boat to last.