Duncan_Hamble
Active Member
Greg,
A friend of my parents had a Princess 32 with AD32 Volvos. This was kept on the upper reaches of the Thames but had occasional trips out to sea - similar use to yours.
His had the standard fixed GRP trim tabs and no ballast in the front. Ballast in the front will not help.
The recommended propellers were 16" diameter by 16" pitch which he had fitted. He also borrowed a pair of 15" x 15" from a friend. I cant remember which were best but he got a maximum of about 18 knots with cruising (on the plane) at about 14 or 15.
To get this performance I would agree with some of the other replies that you have had that the boat needs to be relatively light - ie no superflous gear. In addition make sure that the bottom is clean and that the propellers are in good condition. This can make a huge difference.
One last point, make sure that the engines are in good health - no leaks, clean heat exchangers and oil coolers etc.
Finally - DO NOT LET AD32s OVERHEAT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES as the alloy heads are liable to warp.
I hope this is of use.
A friend of my parents had a Princess 32 with AD32 Volvos. This was kept on the upper reaches of the Thames but had occasional trips out to sea - similar use to yours.
His had the standard fixed GRP trim tabs and no ballast in the front. Ballast in the front will not help.
The recommended propellers were 16" diameter by 16" pitch which he had fitted. He also borrowed a pair of 15" x 15" from a friend. I cant remember which were best but he got a maximum of about 18 knots with cruising (on the plane) at about 14 or 15.
To get this performance I would agree with some of the other replies that you have had that the boat needs to be relatively light - ie no superflous gear. In addition make sure that the bottom is clean and that the propellers are in good condition. This can make a huge difference.
One last point, make sure that the engines are in good health - no leaks, clean heat exchangers and oil coolers etc.
Finally - DO NOT LET AD32s OVERHEAT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES as the alloy heads are liable to warp.
I hope this is of use.
