What's your sweet spot?

[inspektor32]

Hello everyone. I am very much enjoying my new to me 1992 SCR 2300. Had it out fishing on the weekend but unfortunately no fish in the boat. I have in it the 5.7 Alpha One thunderbolt engine. I am still getting used to everything but I have found the sweet spot for cruising seems to be about 3500 rpm. It pushes along nicely at between 38 - 42 kph.

I would like to know if this is a good cruising rpm for maximum fuel economy. If I drop it down to 3000 rpm will I get better mileage because the engine isn't spinning as much or will the engine be working harder as the rpm's are too low?

Thanks for all the replies and happy cruising.

[rens914]

have allmost the same boat (2400 SCR) but with a 4,3 6 cil vortec.
it has about 240 bhp and runs fine at 3400 rpm
if you drop down it's likely to almost drop out of plane. at that point your engine is pushing your boat in stead of letting it glide.
so 3400 sounds ok
rens