Hatteras GM 853V Diesels and Speed

[Castellocasa]

We have a 1971 double cabin 41 Hatteras that we have updated and lovingly maintained. Recently a Surveyor did a sea trial. We have never cruised her over 8-10 (maybe just little faster occasionally when we did 1/3 loop) He had our boat up at 28. And even planed her. I was rather flabbergasted and a bit worried... I thought these older heavier Hatteras were not built for that speed. What do you think about this Surveyor pushing our boat this hard? Thank you.

[djmarchand]

That surveyor was doing exactly what he should be doing- pushing the boat up to wot for a few minutes to:

1. Check to see that it reaches rated rpm. If not the boat is probably overpropped and that is loading the engine more than it was designed for.

2. Check to see if it smokes excessively at wot.

3. Check to see if it overheats at wot.

I wouldn't want a surveyor who wouldn't automatically do the above. Having said that you only need to run for maybe 5 minutes at wot. It is kind of like running your car wide open on a deserted road to see what she will do. But you don't drive that way.

David