[JOEYBIGEYE]

Guys im new to the 4 stroke scene, Ive always run diesels and just recently went with twin 250 Suziki 4 Stroke engine. I would like some feedback on what RPM'S I should run these at to have the best longevity for the motors and another question, when running offshore can I run her at say 4300 to 4500 for the 2-3 hour to canyons. I recently opened her up for 2 minutes with a full load of fuel 270 gallons 4 men and a load of bait and ice. The highest RPM i got to was 5100, I see posts of guys running at 5500-6000 RPM'S and was wondering if I should be getting up there also. As you can see Im outboard engine ignorant and appreciate any feedback
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[Mad Mahi]

JOEYBIGEYE wrote:
Guys im new to the 4 stroke scene, Ive always run diesels and just recently went with twin 250 Suziki 4 Stroke engine. I would like some feedback on what RPM'S I should run these at to have the best longevity for the motors and another question, when running offshore can I run her at say 4300 to 4500 for the 2-3 hour to canyons. I recently opened her up for 2 minutes with a full load of fuel 270 gallons 4 men and a load of bait and ice. The highest RPM i got to was 5100, I see posts of guys running at 5500-6000 RPM'S and was wondering if I should be getting up there also. As you can see Im outboard engine ignorant and appreciate any feedback
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4300-4500 is the "sweet" spot on those motors for economy at cruise. Obviously, will help with longevity.

No reason why you can't run them a little higher for that same amount of time without shortening lifespan. Proper maintenance (oil and filter at every 100 hours) will give you long dependable life. Even better using synthetic oil. On a 29 foot boat I suspect that you you are not propped correctly if you are not able to reach at least 5700 RPM at the pins even heavily loaded.

 

[aja962]

Mahi may be right about being underpropped. However..... My F-150 with 3 on board and a full fuel load will max out at about 5100-5300 R.P.M. depending on sea and wind conditions. The max operating range is supposed to be 5500-6000 R.P.M. I thought about repropping wnen I first got my boat but on the advice of my mechanic decided to live with the prop I had for a while. Turns out he was right. I can run at a confortable speed @ 3500-4000 R.P.M. while sipping fuel with my original prop. The reality is that top end on a boat is like top end on a car. A nice stat but just that, a stat. Also the performance tests that are published usually are while running with partial fuel, crew and gear. No ice, beer, sandwiches, cast nets, bait, a baitwell full of water....I think you get what I'm saying. I would not run my outboard at redline for any longer than I would my car engine, ie: for a very brief time once in a while. Unless you must go as fast as possible right away run your boat the way it was delivered for a while. If you want more ommph you can alwats change the wheels later. Just my $0.02