Westerbeke 52 - Cruising RPMs

[nknowland]

We cruise full-time on a Bayfield 40 sailboat with a Westerbeke 52 engine. We were told by other Bayfield owners to run the engine at 1800 RPMs for continuous cruising, which is 60% of the 3000max. 80% would be 2400 RPMs. Is 1800 rpm too low for prolonged use?

THANKS!

[S/V Alchemy]

When I owned a W-52 in a 15 ton steel cutter, I considered "cruise" to be about 2,100, which gave about 5.8 knots in flat water (we sailed in not flat water), turning a fixed 18 x 13 3-blade prop.

I can't recall the power curve...it will be in the manual...but it would be typical of me to seek a "sweet spot" that cost me as little amount of diesel as I could get away with and still get home by dark, etc. As I recall, at 2000 rpm/5.6 knots, this drank about .90/U.S. gallon/hr.

Hope this helps. It's all from memory as I swapped the Westerbeke out for a Beta 60 and a feathering prop.

[GordMay]

Typically, recommended cruise speeds are 2500 to 3000 RPM.
Check your manual ➥ http://www.westerbeke.com/OnlineManu...operat_man.pdf