T&T: Common sense applications (was: Not Again! )

[Phil & Kate]

We have a 35' downeaster with a Cummins QSB 380hp electronic (2 strikes = big
and not mechanical). We repowered from a CAT 3126 425hp a couple of years ago,
a long sad story. Recently, we have spent much more time cruising at about
8-8.5 knots and 4gph with diesel closing in on 3 bucks. In fact average total
fuel burn, including generator, over two seasons is about 4.5-5 gph. We can do
about 14-15 knots at 11gph.
I work, have a week to ten day stretch of vacation a year, and two or three
long weekends a year to cruise. The rest of our weekends are divided between
grandbabies, short cruises, and chores at home. Three weekends ago, last time
we could get out, we never broke 8.5 knots. Weren't going far, just a couple
of hours across the Bay to meet friends. Perfect, and with the QSB, I don't
get too excited about slow running and what it's going to do to my engine.
When we want to go farther and are subject to our typical time constraints,
more of the trip is faster, e.g. 14-15 kts. But all that figures into the
4.5-5 gph overall. So, our engine choice seems pretty reasonable. Just which
question are we begging?

Phil Pennington
AMY B, '88 Nauset '35
Kent Narrows