It’s been a while since I be run north but that section of ICW isn’t bad. running outside is fine if the weather allows you to run on plane, otherwise no point. Especially when you get to GA and the Carolina’s where the channels in and and out are pretty long also on a boat your size, “10ish kts” isn’t a good speed. You re going to be burning at least twice what you would at 8.5. May as well run on plane
Pascal is correct, you really want to be running hull speed or on plane. 10ish is not your sweet spot at all.
The run from Ft Pierce to just south of Melbourne is not bad at all as far as no wake zones but near the end of mosquito lagoon there is a looong no wake zone. The run from Ponce inlet to St Augustine on the ICW is about 50/50 no wake zones and or docks real close to the waterway so kind of a frustrating run if you are trying to make time. On my planing hull boat if you are not planing you will roll in any kind of sea state. In other words stick to the ICW if not planing in a planing hull boat. I to get bothered when I think I have a pending significant issue, but from what it sounds the vibration does not portend a huge problem. If you can move the suspect prop with 2 hands I think you will be fine to run on a plane to get home. Try to enjoy your trip.
8.5 does seem to be the sweet spot. I’ll do some math on this next leg and do some speed vs fuel burn calculations. Could be on plane and faster is not a huge hit on MPG.
I can move the suspect prop with one hand and may not have a vibration any more. Going to do a sea trial later today. Shane said there wasn’t enough prop damage to cause any significant damage, so I’m not real worried about.
Hull speed is defined at sq root of LWL x 1.33. So, your 44 probably has a waterline of 40 so your hull speed will be 8.4 kts. anytbjng above that and fuel burn goes up drastically. Typically it will double for the first 15% speed increase so at 9.5 kts, you ll burn twice the fuel. I m guessing a boat that size will burn 7-8 gph at 8.4 so at 9.5, you ll burn about 15. At 10-10.5, figure 22/25 gph. many boat owners don’t realize how hull speed is like a wall. Actually the bow wave that gets created just beyond hull speed is like a hull you have to run up. Cost fuel for comparison the 110’ I run burns 25 GPH at 10.5 kts, more or less the same as your 44 would at that same speed.
At 10kts I’m around 10GPH. I e been trying to keep it under 10GPH. At 8 kts I’m about 6GPH. Over 10 kts it goes up quickly. Haven’t really experimented with the numbers on plane, or the speed or takes to stay on plane.
That's another thread, Ross. Also, I think it's important to recognize the generous assistance you've been offered in this thread and the incredible knowledge YF members have bestowed on you in all the threads you've opened.
Most definitely, apologies if I did not appear appreciative. I value and greatly appreciate all advice here.
It's pretty much my rule of thumb...to simply assume 25 gph and 600 gpd on long runs. Keep RPM to the low 1400's, target 10.2 to 10.5 knots apart from currents, and hunt those currents along the way. I think it's actually working out to be a little closer to 20 mph, but why quibble over leaving a few gallons in the pocket... We've increased fuel capacity to 2550, of which perhaps 2300 is useful over three tanks? Range is up to perhaps 1200 miles? I've had plenty of opportunities to accurately calculate it, but we keep measuring...
Your numbers are pretty close. Took the boat out for a bit this afternoon and saw 9GPH @ 8.5kts. Turns out there is a storm brewing in the Gulf and marinas are not taking reservations. So rather than risk being caught in a storm with no safe docking, decided to stay in Ft Pierce until this storm decides what it’s going to do. Thanks again guys. I really do appreciate the advice.
Start watching the weather for were you plan to be Wed-Fri there could be a tropical storm crossing the state of Florida anywhere from Tampa Bay to big bend area coming out around Jacksonville into the Atlantic and up the east Coast.
We’ll be in Ft Pierce. None of the marinas I called heading north are taking reservations due to the storm. We can ride it out here safely. If we head north now, we might end up riding it out on anchor.
That’s the right call. It s too early to know how far east it’s going to go. These storms coming out of the western Carib are always tricky but we usually don’t see them until later in the season. This is supposed to be Cape Verde season. Go figure. plenty of hot water ahead although there is still a bit of shear as well.
I agree stay in Ft Pierce and be safe. I have been through my share of storms, I'm sure there are few more in my future. Moved to Jax in 1955 when I was 6, move to Ft Lauderdale at 12 and grew up there. Moved to Treasure Island in 1978 and have had 5 different boats setting out back that have weathered all the storms so far. Maybe out double lining Tuesday.
Yup, something is brewing: Lots of warm Caribbean and Gulf waters to feed this thing and make it a monster.
Try knocking off another knot or so, you might see closer to 6 or maybe 7 GPH. Without wind or current against you, maybe even 4-5 GPH. Helps to know actual waterline length. Also, the predictive formula sets theoretical MAXIMUM at 1.34x, whereas best economy is often closer to 1.1x or 1.2x SQRT (LWL). 8.5 kts for us usually varies between 6-8 GPH, depending on wind and tide/current. I suspect our true waterline length is something like 50' -- even though our model name is 58 and actual hull length is 54' 6½". 50 LWL at 1.2x predicts almost exactly 8.5 kts. -Chris
I agree, drop a knot and you'll recover 3gph of so. My 44ft with 6-71s at 7.75 knts is slightly under 4gph . When you calculate the time lost for dropping a knot you'll discover it's negligible in extra time required.
Yes, it looks right now like it's going to pop back out at or below the outer banks. If you need to make progress, use the ditch until the coast is clear.