Why cruising speed

Seastoke

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Ok we have max speed and cruising speed ,why, as in a car we seem to thrash them whats the diference
 
It's all about crew and comfort, we have been out all weekend ( final leg tomorrow) interesting sea conditions today, thank goodness we did not thrash, it's about the getting there , it can't be compared to cars, chalk and cheese, if the crew are happy then the atmosphere is relaxed and that's what it's all about it is not a sport it is leisure activity, if you want to thrash go power boat racing
 
Ok we have max speed and cruising speed ,why, as in a car we seem to thrash them whats the diference
How long do you drive your car at max power? Unless it is a Sinclair C5, then not very long! On a project a few years ago, we measured the power usage of a high performance C class car, over a full day it average 17% of full power, and this was driven aggressively. Generally you cruise at 15-20% in most average cars, which is considerably lower than in your boat, unless you are on the rivers.
 
Ok we have max speed and cruising speed ,why, as in a car we seem to thrash them whats the diference

Wow remind me to never take a lift in your car!

Say a typical 2 liter diesel saloon car which has 140 hp at rated speed of say 4,000 rpm. Typically car would be geared for around 135/140 mph at rated speed, engine is spinning just above peak torque which is say 2,000 rpm, therefore decent cruise 70/80 mph between 2,300 and 2,500 rpm and a road load of around 100 hp with a nice wedge of torque rise to cope with stiffening gradient.

I would struggle to run at a constant speed at 80 mph in cruise control uninterrupted for an hour let alone 135 mph. Even in cruise control engine load is constantly varying due to changing gradients. In a boat rated power is just that, pulling 80% plus load dependent on fouling, dependent on manufacturers rating conditions for half an hour to an hour.
 
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As stated, even in my Land Rover which is pedestrian I am only feathering the throttle at motorway speeds. The engine is by no means loaded except to attain that initial speed and then break wind resistance. Not so in a boat where you have to break water resistance a much greater proposition.
 
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