i do not have a tach installed on my boat. should i have one or not? i only motor in and out of the slip. but once in a while i motor around a bit (only when i'm being lazy). if i do install one what rpm should be normal on a c-30 with a 5411. thanks all!
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Tach-y
I guess some folks could handle the engine by the sound and feel of it, but I'd want a tach. there's too much at stake for me to trust my senses! Conventional wisdom says that cruising RPM is 80% of full throttle, but I'm not sre if that applies to all engines. It seems like it would be safe, though.
I guess some folks could handle the engine by the sound and feel of it, but I'd want a tach. there's too much at stake for me to trust my senses! Conventional wisdom says that cruising RPM is 80% of full throttle, but I'm not sre if that applies to all engines. It seems like it would be safe, though.
I don't have one
I don't have one either and, although I've wondered the same as you, I seem to be doing just fine by ear and feel. Try opening up your engine compartment so you can hear it in the cockpit. Then run at full throttle and start backing off a bit. After a bit of practice you should be able to sense the point at which the engine is running smoothly but not overworking. It's not unlike the feel of your car engine at 65mph vs. 85mph. I'm able to cruise at about 5.25 knots in smooth, flat water with my 5411 at less than full throttle..
I don't have one either and, although I've wondered the same as you, I seem to be doing just fine by ear and feel. Try opening up your engine compartment so you can hear it in the cockpit. Then run at full throttle and start backing off a bit. After a bit of practice you should be able to sense the point at which the engine is running smoothly but not overworking. It's not unlike the feel of your car engine at 65mph vs. 85mph. I'm able to cruise at about 5.25 knots in smooth, flat water with my 5411 at less than full throttle..
Some Tach Ifs and Ands
Given the cost of a new engine, I think a tach is probably a worthwhile insurance investment on a boat. I find that the longer I use my engine, the less I rely on the tach to know what the maximum 80% throttle proper engine speed is... I just kinda hear when it's right. But the tach was the "training wheels" that got me to the point of associating a certain RPMs with a certain sound. If I were to operate another boat, I'd be right on the tach until I learn the sound/feel/RPM thing all over again. It sounds like you are well acquainted with your engine, so this may not be an item for you to worry about.
Given the cost of a new engine, I think a tach is probably a worthwhile insurance investment on a boat. I find that the longer I use my engine, the less I rely on the tach to know what the maximum 80% throttle proper engine speed is... I just kinda hear when it's right. But the tach was the "training wheels" that got me to the point of associating a certain RPMs with a certain sound. If I were to operate another boat, I'd be right on the tach until I learn the sound/feel/RPM thing all over again. It sounds like you are well acquainted with your engine, so this may not be an item for you to worry about.
5411 and a tack
The 5411 red lines at 3000 and should cruise all day at 2450 RMP or 80% of 3000. With out a tach and knowledge of is prop you could easily over rev the engine. Just watch the temp gauge, if you have one. I tach cost about $100 and is lots cheaper than an engine, it will also keep track of engine hours for oil changes Bob
The 5411 red lines at 3000 and should cruise all day at 2450 RMP or 80% of 3000. With out a tach and knowledge of is prop you could easily over rev the engine. Just watch the temp gauge, if you have one. I tach cost about $100 and is lots cheaper than an engine, it will also keep track of engine hours for oil changes Bob
Tach stops at 2000
Speaking of tachs, anybody know why indicator goes normally up to 2000, but won't go higher even though engine will increase rpm a lot? It started doing this recently..worked ok before that.
Speaking of tachs, anybody know why indicator goes normally up to 2000, but won't go higher even though engine will increase rpm a lot? It started doing this recently..worked ok before that.
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