[C320-list] Perkins 30

[Jeff Hare]

Nat, 

First, we don't have a Perkins so I won't comment on the cruising RPM, but
we do have some big challenges docking in our marina with respect to speed.
There's no way we could idle all the way to our slip *in-gear* and make it
into our slip without providing the dock with that evening's entertainment.

Here's our docking/slow speed maneuvering tip:

Since the 320 glides and steers so well (even with wind/current),  consider
just putting the engine RPM at the lowest speed you can comfortably shift
in/out of gear (and where the engine will run without serious issue).  

Then jut don't touch the throttle at all!  Forget it's even there!  Just put
it in gear for short periods of time and then back to neutral until you need
a bit more speed or a steering boost.  When it goes in forward gear while
you're coasting, you get a bit of extra slow speed steering boost from the
prop.  We use this technique to crab down our fairways with significant
cross currents and winds.  Sometimes, only 2 or 3 seconds of boost is enough
for 15-20 sec of gliding.

Our rule of thumb here is never go any faster  than you'd want to be going
when you crash the dock.  :)   We can drift into our slip so slowly and in
full control this way that people get bored waiting for us.

Messing with the throttle complicates what can just be a nice controlled
glide and allows you to just concentrate on precision steering.  Of course,
once you're at the dock, lines handed off and need to slow that last amount,
goosing the throttle there as needed does the job.

Your mileage may vary, but give it a try!

-Jeff



-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Nat Antler
Sent: Saturday, August 04, 2012 4:24 PM
To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Perkins 30

I too have a 1994 320 with the Perkins 30. I've tried to lower the idle RPMs
but it doesn't like it. The engine specs say it shouldn't be lower than
1200.  I can usually idle smoothly at 1100 but I sure would like a slower
idle speed when docking. (I have a 3-bladed prop) Anyone have any
suggestions? I cruise just fine between around 2600.

Nat Antler #161=