RyanCT
Lieutenant Commander
Curious. I can live with an 18 knot cruise but of course would love to cruise at 20+ on given days. So I am curious if a known hull cruises at say 18 knots with 370hp how does a higher hp engine run at that speed?
For example if you install a 480-500 hp engine in the same hull cruise speed will likely increase along with gph. But when the throttle is pulled back to 18 how do the 2 compare? I can answer 3 ways and justify each but dont know what is right?
1. The 370hp engine is more efficient because it is just not as thirsty as the bigger beast.
2. They are the same because it takes x gallons of fuel to make y amount of power regardless of the powerplant.
3. The larger engine is more efficient because of the lower load.
I guess I am asking if you install a higher hp engine do you pay for it everyday you use it? Or just on the upfront costs and maintenance. Appreciate any insight.
For example if you install a 480-500 hp engine in the same hull cruise speed will likely increase along with gph. But when the throttle is pulled back to 18 how do the 2 compare? I can answer 3 ways and justify each but dont know what is right?
1. The 370hp engine is more efficient because it is just not as thirsty as the bigger beast.
2. They are the same because it takes x gallons of fuel to make y amount of power regardless of the powerplant.
3. The larger engine is more efficient because of the lower load.
I guess I am asking if you install a higher hp engine do you pay for it everyday you use it? Or just on the upfront costs and maintenance. Appreciate any insight.