RPM?

[SgtAlf]

Here's a problem/question I have. I have a R-23 with the 200 Yamaha. I find I cannot keep a steady RPM. I like to cruise at 15 knots, but I can't seem to keep it there. The RPM/Speed will either increase, or decrease. Is this me, or is this normal. I get the part about wave and current action affecting speed, but this happens in very calm water as well.

 

[Cutwater28GG]

Seems like a tough speed to maintain. Neither on plane or an efficient displacement speed. Why 15?

 

[SgtAlf]

Gavin,
She planes at 13 with 2 people on board. 15 is just a comfortable speed, I get where I want to go. I'm never in a rush when boating. The exception is when I need to run from weather. There's a lot of thunderstorms in NJ in the Summer... Just like last Sunday when I ran WOT.

 

[Cutwater28GG]

Interesting. I didn’t think 15 would be properly on the plane. Is it easier to manage rpm at 18 knots.

 

[bergroup]

My experience over the past 1 1/2 years on my 2018 R-23 OB:

Slow cruise: 2000-2200 RPM = 9 MPH (Water stays off the swim platform. Good handling, excellent ride with choppy water)

Dead Zone: 2500-4000 RPM = Mushy handling with water sloshing over the swim platform. Does not stay on plane.

Medium Cruise: 4500 RPM = 25 MPH (Around 10 GPH Fuel consumption)

Fast Cruise: 5500 RPM = 32-35 MPH (13.5 GPH Fuel Consumption)

WOT = 5900-6000 RPM

 

[SgtAlf]

Yeah, I do about the same. Today the wind was around 15+ knots 2' - 3' chop in the Barnegat Bay. I maintained 8 knots no problem.
But my question is, can you cruise at a steady speed/RPM? I can't, unless going slow. My speed/RPM's climb, and when I back off the throttle a touch the RPM's start to drop a couple hundred RPM. I can't seem to find the sweet spot.

 

[Salish Seaker]

I know exactly what you mean Tony. It's been a challenge on our 2018 R23 to maintain the same speed. We like to cruise at around 4600-4700 rpm, 25-27mph and it's been tricky to maintain the throttle. We're constantly working the throttle as the speed increases and decreases. However, we eventually find the sweet spot where it will maintain the speed, and once we land on it, it's a sweet ride indeed!