Multiple Choice on Rate,Time and Distance

[solanderi]

I am going to fish in a tournament in Key West in July. It is a run of about 150 NM from my home port of Miami Beach. When I arrive, we will be putting some heavy running and trolling time on our 45C. The motors are 692's. So the multiple choice question is regarding the run down. I know there are no guarantees but should I......

A) Run at 19 knots for 8 hrs
B) Run at 15 knots for 10 hrs
C) Run at 10 knots for 15 hrs
D) Run at 8 knots for 19 hrs

 

[StratPlan61]

It would be great if you knew your fuel burn (gph) at specific rpms, but if that info is not available I would select:

Run at 10-11knots and arrive in 13 hours or so. Less pounding on your beautiful boat, less chance of significant damage if you would hit anything and of course LOTS less fuel burned. I always opt for less rpms and more time as long as I have the time.

Just my .02 worth??

Bear'
1984 61' MY Strategic Plan

 

[thoward]

D. Have a nice 2 day cruise and save on fuel unless you are in a time crunch. Plus, you are less likely to break something before the tourney.

 

[doc g]

Go slow ,so you can break things once you get there ! Actually if you have the time and good weather you'll burn a lot less fuel doing it that way. Although I do not know how comfortable or uncomfortable it is to go slow in a sportfish. I know the smaller sporties I ran were pretty crappy going slow........Pat

 

[Rickysa]

A.

Go fast, get there a day early, and party at Rick's.

 

[(Nobody You Know)]

A couple of us with 40' ers and CAT engines hae been able to find a "sweet" spot where fuel economy is greatly improved and the engine temp is near the 180 range.

Run too slow and you will do harm by running for too long at too low a temp.

On mine, around 1500 and 1600 RPMs gets the temp where it should be. Any more and I defeat the consumption curve, that is until I get comfortably up on plane - with props clean I can do this at 2300.

You just gotta play with it a little.

 

[Genesis]

1200 RPM will keep the temps up and push you around 10-11kts, making about 1nmpg on the fuel burn.

45C - same boat I owned. That's how I'd do it if I had the time to burn on it.

 

[Mike36c]

It's about the sea conditions too, calm seas is a cake run but a large beam sea going slow absolutely sucks in a sportfish. A few hours of that and the throttles will creep up on their own

 

[bobk]

I too would do the slow run, but I'm a cheap trawler guy at heart... running a 48 series I MY with 6V92's. 1000 rpm = 8 knots at 5.5-6 gph, jackets at 160-165F which Karl says ought to be OK.

You can esily run down Hawks Channel and anchor at Boot Key for the night, then make a short hop to KW. And a 8 knots, you can catch some fish along the way.

Bob

 

[solanderi]

Thank you one and all for the input. I think slow and easy is going to rule the day.

Hey Bobk,

What is the deal on Boot Key? Is it a public anchorage or something ? Do you have any info or experience with the particulars there. We draw 4 ' 6" on the 45 C. Thank you for any help,

Greg

 

[bobk]

Thank you one and all for the input. I think slow and easy is going to rule the day.

Hey Bobk,

What is the deal on Boot Key? Is it a public anchorage or something ? Do you have any info or experience with the particulars there. We draw 4 ' 6" on the 45 C. Thank you for any help,

Greg

Boot key Harbor is on the south west end of Marathon, ocean side. There are a lot of mooring balls at a nominal rate, and at least last year still some area to anchor. Out side the harbor, if the weather is OK, you can anchor in an area to the right of the channel in. This is actually a good idea in settled weather as you will get more air. And it is a short dingy ride to Burdines where you can get a fine fish sandwich. Or if you are early enough, you can probably tie at their fuel dock. Also a couple of other marinas with resturants. Check the guide books for phone and rates.

Bob

 

[Nonchalant1]

We were at Boot Key Harbor (the harbor in Marathon Key) in February. It's very nice and still has mooring balls at a reasonable price, but whether you get one or not is a matter of luck and crowds. No reservations... you just put your name on a list when you get there. There are also great marinas for $2.30 per ft. (ouch).

There's a really great anchorage area at Newfound Harbor halfway between Marathon and Key West. Very large, easy to get in and out if you follow the channel carefully and room for 500 boats but usually only 10 to 20 there. You can dinghy into a couple little marinas near the bridge or go under the bridge to the Parrotdise restaurant the Gulf side for the best lobster reuben sandwich in Florida.

Doug Shuman

 

[bobk]

We were at Boot Key Harbor (the harbor in Marathon Key) in February. It's very nice and still has mooring balls at a reasonable price, but whether you get one or not is a matter of luck and crowds. No reservations... you just put your name on a list when you get there. There are also great marinas for $2.30 per ft. (ouch).

There's a really great anchorage area at Newfound Harbor halfway between Marathon and Key West. Very large, easy to get in and out if you follow the channel carefully and room for 500 boats but usually only 10 to 20 there. You can dinghy into a couple little marinas near the bridge or go under the bridge to the Parrotdise restaurant the Gulf side for the best lobster reuben sandwich in Florida.

Doug Shuman

Our experience over the last few winters is the mooring balls start to free up in late March as the cruisers head out. I would think in July there would be no issue unless there is some sort of event going on. I'd call the dockmaster to find out for sure if this was of interest.

Bob