Volvo 2003 cruising rpm

[buttons]

Can any say what rpm I should run my VP2003 at . The engine is of 1990 vintage and I think in good condition, what maximum rpm is safe for an old engine. I tend to run at 2300 but maximum rpm is 3300 is it safe to run at 2800 rpm for long periods.

 

[corinthmistral]

I have a 1990 VP2003 also, in my Friendship 35. 7 tones and a 2 bladed volvo prop, max revs are 2650 with my prop and i normally cruise at 2200 revs. So i guess my normal cruising rpm is around 85% of max achievable revs. So running at 2800 versus 3300 max should be ok. I would suggest considering using a bigger prop to load the engine up, which may be better for it. If running for pronged periods I normally open the engine up to max revs for a minute or so during every hour run.

 

[pvb]

I usually run my 2003T at around 2800-2900rpm.

 

[oldsaltoz]

We have twin VP's and tall 3 blade stainless props and burn around 3 litres an hour at 1800 RPM.

As you can see from the figures above there is a variation depending on the combination of hull/s and prop type, so no one figure fits all.

There is a chart on the web that shows maximum torque at various engine revs, this can be a good starting point if you prop is right at it shows maximum power at less than full revs.

Good luck and fair winds.

 

[pvb]

There is a chart on the web that shows maximum torque at various engine revs, this can be a good starting point if you prop is right at it shows maximum power at less than full revs.

Maximum power is, of course, achieved at maximum revs.

Maximum torque is achieved at lower revs, and varies with the different models in the 2000-series. The 2003 develops max torque at about 2200rpm (although the curve is almost flat); the 2003T develops max torque at about 2700rpm. Max torque revs also give the lowest specific fuel consumption (ie g/kWh).

 

[MoodySabre]

My 1988 2003 runs at its smoothest at 2000rpm. Beyond this the increase in noise and minor vibration isn't worth the little extra speed when cruising. In a hurry then 2100-2200.

 

[EdWingfield]

To push your boat faster than the sq root of the waterline length is expensive. Why not set the revs to achieve a speed of say 10% less than that?

 

[skip50]

My 1988 2003 runs at its smoothest at 2000rpm. Beyond this the increase in noise and minor vibration isn't worth the little extra speed when cruising. In a hurry then 2100-2200.

I completely agree, mine is the same.

 

[Sans Bateau]

Much the same as the other posters, I run my 2003 at around 2300 cruising, but will occasionally run it at max revs (around 2900).

 

[tyce]

2200rpm for me if in a rush and 2000if not

 

[pvb]

It seems that most 2003 owners instinctively run their engines at max torque/max economy revs.

 

[philip_stevens]

It seems that most 2003 owners instinctively run their engines at max torque/max economy revs.

I must therefore be the same, as I run my 2003 at around 2250 or thereabouts. I will push it to 2800 when needed, but not often. Pushed to full, all I then get is some smoke and no more speed, so it shows my prop is on the limit of size.

When first in the water at the start of the season with clean prop and clean bottom, I can get 3000r/m with a 17x12 3blade prop. Just a few weeks later, that goes down to 28/29.

2250 gives me about 6kts, and I can, just, get 7kts flat out. 6kts and just below, gives me a good average speed.

 

[Slowtack]

5 tonne 33 foot fin keel cruising boat, engine built 1984, 3 blade folding volvo prop on 120SB saildrive, usually motor at about 2400 revs, those revs give up to 6.5 kts depending on sea state.

 

[l'escargot]

Mine gives me cruising speed at around 2300. Seems to be the "sweet spot" for the engine. I only give it more revs when manoeuvring or if I need a short burst of speed.