correct prop / wrong RPM ? WOT a must ?

[colayn]

I have been reading thru the prop forums to be sure my boat is propped correctly and I think it is, but now I am confused.
I have a 99 ZX185 with a 99 Yamaha Vmax 150 (carbed)
Since I am a big tight wad I like to run it around 3500 RPM to save fuel and it still goes plenty fast for me.
It will turn about 5700 WOT
Am I hurting my engine in the long run by not using it a WOT ?

Thanks for the help

 

[Bondo]

Re: correct prop / wrong RPM ? WOT a must ?

Am I hurting my engine in the long run by not using it a WOT ?

Nope,... As long as the motor is Capable of pulling the specified rpms at wot,...
You can run the motor at any rpm ya want...

 

[steelespike]

Re: correct prop / wrong RPM ? WOT a must ?

If the motor reaches close to the max rated rpm at wot your fine cruising at a reduced rpm.However picking an arbitrary rpm without a little testing you could be wasting fuel.Your best cruising speed could be anywhewre from just on plane to several 100 rpm higher.Only way to be sure of your savings is to do some tests say 30 minutes or more at 3500 then top up the tanks. Pick some other speeds to test.
If you don't have a flow meter thats about the only way.
Your not likely to discover any huge gain unless you have picked the worse cruising speed in the first place.

 

[colayn]

Re: correct prop / wrong RPM ? WOT a must ?

Thanks fellows, I was hoping that would be the answer.