Question for Owners of Grand Banks Europa and Similar Vessels

[gbanker]

Can these high speed "trawlers" that are designed to be run at speeds in the teens to low twenties really be run at slow speeds (8 kts +/-) for lengthy periods of time?

Are the rudders sufficient size for slow speeds? The stabilizers work OK at slow speeds? Ride OK?

The salesmen say so but it sounds too good to be true so I would like to get some input from owners.

[djmarchand]

The argument about damaging a diesel by running at low speed goes on forever. To paraphrase the Cummins/Yanmar guru on boatdiesel "I have never seen a recreational propulsion engine damaged by running slow".

Having said that if you are looking at a new GB42 or whatever they are called today with twin 600 hp engines, the above statement may not hold at 8 kts. The hp required to push that boat to hull speed is a tiny fraction of 1200 hp. If the engines don't warm up to operating temps, then you can damage them by running a long time.

The rudders on all fast trawlers are too small for slow speed use. At below 5 kts I used the bowthruster more than the rudder on my Mainship 34T.

Don't know about stabilizers. Obviously they work better the faster you go. What I have read says they work ok at hull speeds and cut roll in 1/3.

You are wise not to listen to boat salesmen.

David

[swagman]

I'm new to power boating but have just purchased a boat for river and canal use.

In my research speaking with others far more experienced, I was told if I wanted to spend weeks plodding at slow speeds I need to ensure I get self aspirating engines as opposed to newer turbo models as one risks sooting up the turbo blades by not running a turbo engine at high revs.

Hope this helps.
JOHN

[markpierce]

Originally Posted by gbanker

Can these high speed "trawlers" that are designed to be run at speeds in the teens to low twenties

High-speed trawlers? That's incongruous! How's about some cruel kindness?

[markpierce]

Come to think of it, I'd be very interested in seeing a chart comparing fuel consumption rates versus speed, particularly before and after reaching hull-speed. I's curious.

[dacust]

Google ->> boat fuel consumption chart

The 3rd link gave me this.

http://www.chmiel.com/knotkidding/**...ntCruising.pdf

-dan