T&T: Not Again!

[Rob Dorsey]

My deepest apologies for this but I, gulp, need to ask a question about
running a 300hp engine at 50hp. 
 
Robin and I had an epiphany at Trawler Fest, and, like so many of  my past
singularities it hit the hard wall of reality. Seems we fell in love with
the Krogen 42. Trouble is, to get one in our price range it would have to be
a rough, fixer-upper and in a boat that spells MONEY, large money. On the
rebound we are still interested - but not truly in love - with the Mainship
350/390. Now, we know it's not really a trawler, at least not from the
waterline down, (please, no offense intended so no death threats from MS
owners) but for half of what even a 25 year old, indifferently kept KK 42
would go for we could have a late '90s or even newer in commensurate shape.
 
We currently operate our Carver 3607 like a trawler and the Mainship hull is
quite similar, even better with a keel protecting the wheel and rudder in
the normal single engine version. BUT, it has the Cat 3116 of 300hp, far
more than the hull needs at hull speed or even at a tide/current beating 12
knots. So, will it hurt it to run it at say 1,400 rpm and 8 knots???
 
Again, sorry for asking this but frankly the previous long and well debated
thread failed to come up with any consensus. As Gomer said: "Sur-Prize,
Sur-Prize!"
 
I'll understand if Mike or Bob block this as reopening a dead topic.
 
Best,
Rob & Robin Dorsey
Best Revenge
Aurora, IN on the Oh-Hi-Oh