R-29 cruising speed

[chet bjerke]

After sailing the San Juans and Gulf Islands the last 30 years we have recently sold our sailboat. And, we have chartered a Ranger 29 to experience motor boating.

For planning purposes, what is a comfortable and safe cruising speed for the 29?

Thanks,

Chet Bjerke

 

[Levitation]

Personally, 'cruising' at anything faster than 6 is a waste of money in my book... Faster is too fast to examine the scenery and burns more fuel....Though I did run at 8 for the nearly 3 hour run down Charlotte Harbor because we were a bit anxious to get there... Yes, I could have opened the throttle and run 20, doing the trip in a bit over an hour... I could have, but I didn't... If I needed to get there that fast we would have taken the airplane...

For your 29 I would think 10 is a nice round number between going somewhere and simply putzing around like I do... But that is spoken as an owner who has to buy the fuel, change the oil, and overhaul the engine if it breaks... Most renters I have seen believe a throttle has only two positions...

 

[Shared Dream II]

Chet
I'm sure you are aware that comfortable and safe have multiple dimensions to it. Let's split it into what the boat can support, the conditions, and your personal preference. The boat can easily support 15+ knots. At this speed, you will be consuming about 11gal/hr and running at approx. 3500 rpm which is 250 rpm below the engine's stated constant operation rpm. In pleasant sea conditions, the ride will be very smooth and the ambient cabin noise will allow normal conversation. If you want to go faster, the ride will still be safe and comfortable, but you will be consuming more fuel and generating additional cabin noise.
If sea conditions are over 2 to 3' average wave height, you'll probably want to slow it down to fit the circumstances.
The boat will also support a 7 to 8 knot cruise speed with significantly less fuel consumption (approx 4gal/hr). Many owners prefer to cruise at this speed. If you do, you simply need to remember to run the engine up for a period of time. This will help with the engine's longevity.
So, it's your choice, but my bet is that most owners fit into either the 15 knot preference, or the 7 to 8 knot preference.