Question about cruising rpm on 83, 245 weekender

[chris0061]

Hello all, We just picked up a 1983 Sea Ray 245 with a mercruiser 260 and the previous owner put on a Alpha 1 gen 2 out-drive. My question is what should this heavy a boat cruise at on rpm? This is our biggest boat by far and we have put about 30 hours on it since we have had it and at first I was cruising at 4000 then this weekend I got it to stay plained out at about 3500. Do these big cruisers need that kind of rpm to stay on plane? Thanks in advance, Chris

 

[nlain]

Re: Question about cruising rpm on 83, 245 weekender

Most of these engines seem to have a sweet spot somewhere in the 3500 rpm range, you are on plane and getting the best fuel economy possible. I know boat engine and fuel economy don't go together. It varies from boat to boat on where they plane out and stay on plane. I am not sure about yours.

 

[chris0061]

Re: Question about cruising rpm on 83, 245 weekender

Yeah just above 3500 seems like it's sweet spot. I was just wondering cause on my smaller boats I could cruise around 2500 rpm. I was just making sure the heavyer boat requires the higher rpm.

 

[Rick K]

Re: Question about cruising rpm on 83, 245 weekender

My '81 245 cruises very nicely at 3500, but planes out way before that. Seems by the time I hit 2800-3000 I'm on plane, and cruising around 22-24mph, give or take. At 4400, I'm at about 29-32 mph, moving along quite well. I've noticed NO fuel economy!

 

[magster65]

Re: Question about cruising rpm on 83, 245 weekender

The V-8s like 3500 to 3800 rpm... maybe a little more.
Yes this is normal cruising rpm on most 'bigger' boats.
I'm 30 mph @ 3500 rpm.