Engine Power on the Thames

[Barleycorn]

Hello,
I have an Aquastar 27 with a 200 HP Cummins engine. We currently keep her on the Solent, but have been considering trying out the Thames, probably looking at a mooring Abingdon way.
Problem is that she does about 4 to 5 knots on tickover, and is not very maneuverable at this speed.
I have an old, bit battered, propeller, which I changed a few years back. Would it be viable to have this cut down to reduce the boats speed? Also perhaps it would help if I increased the rudder area? Would the engine glaze up if used constantly at low revs?

 

[No Regrets]

Despite the speed limit, if you can hum along at 5-5.5kts without a vicious wash, you'll be fine. The speed limit is 5mph, so around 4.3kts but your wash is what's going to annoy people, and plenty of other club boats also idle at a bit above the limit, but don't cause any offence. 6kts in anything other than a classic Broom or similar does start to raise eyebrows though!

 

[oldgit]

What he said.......The Thames is wonderful experience especially for the Mrs Barleycorns of this world who tend to regard hanging on to the helm in F8 while listening to the crockery rearrange its self on the floor as less than exciting.
A very civilised way of boating with so much to do/see/eat/drink right on the doorstep.Once you get to know the area and avoid the river side exploiteries you can live quite reasonably as well.
Shame about the locals tho

 

[No Regrets]

Locals being mainly NB's and Barges.... ;-) LOL

 

[miket]

Have owned a variety of over powered gin palaces on the Thames and had no problems.
If staying a while, then changing the prop will help.
Currently on a Haines 32 so with single 270hp Nanni. Will give it some exercise later in the year.

 

[oldgit]

Locals being mainly NB's and Barges.... ;-) LOL

No mention of Brooms with more technical wizardry aboard than the space station and enuff electrical power to run at least half a dozen locks. ?

 

[No Regrets]

Perhaps a few of those too...and Bayliners....lots and lots of Bayliners...