Is your boat engine running at its optimum RPM? Are you getting the best possible speed and range? Are you sure you\u2019re turning the right-sized propeller?<\/p>\n
It can be a tricky thing, evaluating your boat\u2019s performance. However, it\u2019s important that you do it; not only will a boat that\u2019s running well make for safer and more enjoyable outings, but you can see savings in your pocketbook by ensuring efficient operation and heading off concerns before they become problems.<\/p>\n
So, how do you measure and evaluate such critical performance? <\/p>\n
The good news is that you don\u2019t have to be a trained engine technician. Thanks to the Internet, a lot of \u201cbenchmark\u201d performance numbers are public. Grady-White, for example, publishes performance data for all of its models with multiple engine options. Other boat builders do the same, or you can check with your engine manufacturer. You can also find boat tests published in boating magazines.<\/p>\n
Find these numbers for your boat and engine, or if you can\u2019t find your exact boat, find one that closely matches your boat in size and weight with the same power package. Then do your own evaluation using the same system or criteria as the published tests. <\/p>\n
With a similar load and under similar conditions as the test boat, your boat should not be too far off from the published data. Be sure to look at your engine manufacturer\u2019s wide-open throttle (WOT) RPM range; you want to be in the upper 50 percent of that range. If you\u2019re not, your boat may need to be re-propped, or there may be another problem. This is the time to call your service facility. <\/p>\n
Many published performance tests include GPH and MPG, and if you have a fuel consumption monitor, you can easily compare these numbers too. Anything that seems \u201cway off\u201d to you might be an indicator that there\u2019s an issue that needs investigating. <\/p>\n
This is not an entirely scientific or foolproof way to know if your engine is totally healthy\u2014you should always stick to the manufacturer\u2019s recommended service schedule \u2014 but it is a relatively fast and simple way that you can keep an eye on things and possibly prevent major problems and repairs.<\/p>\n
United Marine Underwriters is more than just boat insurance.<\/span><\/a> Browse our Boats For Sale<\/span><\/a> at BoatBrowser or our Lake Resource Guide<\/span><\/a> at LakeBrowser or share your fishing stories and photos at True Fish Tales<\/span><\/a> \u2013 the ones that did not get away.<\/p>\n
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