IDLE RPM

[BILL SHAKUN]

WITH ENGINE IN NEUTRAL WHAT RPM SHOULDI BE OPERATING AT WITH A WESTERBEKE 42B?

 

[Bruce Croaning]

Engine idle/ prop size

My Westerbeke 42 idles at 650 rpm. The more important question taht you may have to address is how high your engine can rev. My 380, hull #213, can with a 18 x 14 pitch two blade fixed prop that would peak out at 2100 rpm, well below the rated level. Now that I put a feathering three blade 18 x 12 pitch on, I can turn 2700 rpm easily. This is better for your engine, and also has increased fuel economy by almost half a gallon per hour.

 

[Tom Senator]

What is Max speed with feathering prop?

Bruce, What is your top speed (boat speed) with the newer feather prop? Does it top out at the same speed at the 2 blade fixed you have?...Also what is the feather prop like in reverse?.. Any noise/whine problems?

 

[BILL SHAKUN]

IDLE AT 650 LOOKS OKAY.. CONCERNIS WITH REFERENCE TO SLOWING DOWNAT A DOCK..

 

[Bruce Croaning]

Maximum Speed Feathering Prop

Tom, Autohelm feathering prop gives same top speed as fixed two blade with no noise and instant shifting at idle speed. Reverse is more than three times better. Other sail boaters can't believe reverse thrust. Do you own a 380, didn't see you registered in CT?

 

[BILL SHAKUN]

HOW TO ADJUST IDLE RPM

IS THERE A SCREW TO TURN TO SLOW DOWNIDLE RPM AND WHERE ON THE WESTERBEKE 42B

 

[Tom Senator]

Bruce, I have a 99 36 MKII. I'm not happy with

reverse. I have always had fixed 3 blades on my sailboats and found them adequate. But on this boat I go nowhere but sideways in reverse. I was wondering if the forward thrust on your feathering prop is as good as my fixed..will I get to max forward speed as easily. I beleive everyone when they say it will be better in reverse.