Probably about 4.5 to 5, depending on the nature of the seas. If the seas are steep enough to have it really pounding, then it would be down to 4.2 or so. Doesn't drop below 4 until wind is 25+ and seas are 5-6.

G. Jackson

Is the c-36 underpowered?

[quote=Tr182md;10086]Is the c-36 underpowered?[/quote]

Now you've done it! Why not just say your CQR is a better anchor than anything else?:D

That can be a touchy subject around here. The Mark IIs are certainly not underpowered. I'll now let the Mark I people have their way with you. Hopefully they'll be gentle.

Maybe thats why they install a 40Hp engine in the C375. In similiar situation, it will motor at 6knots.

Maybe my GPS is off alittle, but at 2200 rpm i will get anywhere from 6.8 to 7.2 knots in flat water and slightly less in a chop. have a fixed standard prop (factory model). MKII
mark

I'm with you Mark, we have the same engine and I would have to say that my cruising speed hovers around 6.5 - 7.0. I think the size of engine is about perfect for our size of boats.

Year 2000 MKII, M35B Universal, Flat water, 2000 PRM, 2 blade Max Prop: 5.8 knots.

Please keep in mind the original question was about motoring directly into head seas of 3-5 feet in 15 kt winds.

It has been a while since I had to do that, but my 1999 Mk II with a fixed 3-blade prop probably gets to barely 5+ kts in the smaller waves, but then you get those three big ones in a row that slow me to around 3+ kts for a bit until it builds back up. That is at a cruising speed near 2400 RPM.

I have found that sometimes it is better to raise the appropriate amount of sail and crack off to close-hauled with the engine running at a moderate power setting. The ride is better since the waves are quartering on the bow and the VMG upwind is about the same as slogging directly upwind with the iron Genny. You feel like you are sailing (at least motor-sailing), but you have to have room for the tacks.

As a general note, I have listened to many boaters' problems and I never heard one say, "my motor is too powerful."

[QUOTE=osprey;10080]In 15 knot winds and 3-5 foot seas my Mark I will motor directly upwind at 2.5-3 kts. I have the 25xp 23 hp motor. What kind of speed does the Mark II get under those conditions?[/QUOTE]

I dont bother even trying to motor in that situation, 2 blade folding prop,21 horsepower, just not gonna happen. Thats why I sail. And try and remember the undersized engine is just auxilary power.

I don't think I've ever seen less than 4 knots, even going directly up wind (25kts) into the Potomac from the Chesapeake with an opposing tide giving a 2-4 foot short, steep chop. For those not familiar with the Chesapeake, the mouth of the Potomac is likely the roughest part of the bay when wind opposes tide. Even when other parts of the bay are rather benign, the ride between Smith Point and Point Lookout can be quite rough. I did have to push the throttle up to keep up with the Tartan 372 we were traveling with, and watch the temps closely to maintain speed. My boat is a later MKI with the M35. The prop and bottom were less than perfectly clean at the time also.

Edited to add: I don't really consider my boat underpowered, but with the trend towards larger boats with both more waterline/large engines and larger engines even in same sized boats, I guess it is getting harder to keep up when you travel with others and have to motor.

That is kind of slow. I would think 4 to 5 in those conditions. How clean is your bottom?

...but I have heard them say, "My motor uses too much fuel." :-)