T&T: Engine size for displacement hulls

[Rudy and Jill Sechez]

Good Morning Dan:
   
  Our boat is a 34 foot, 28,000 lb displacement troller with a 4'9" draft and 12 foot beam.  We put in a 42 hp Westerbeke diesel engine.  Our continuous operation speed is 5 knots, with an additional knot in reserve; this is without the use of any sails.  
   
  Our fuel consumption is below 1/2 gallon/hour.  We do not think of our boat as under powered for several reasons...  We targeted this fuel use range, we think ahead, as an engineless sailboater would and we are happy trading time for economy.
   
  Engines with a lower rpm, based on the figures we have run, would add some speed, but not the much, if any, economy, plus this engine was so cheap and that is why we bought it. 
   
  Maybe this will give you something to compare with.
   
  Rudy and Jill Sechez
  On Briney Bug, Sanford, Fl
   

       
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