Hi Heidi !
Always good hearing from you. I have not really measured the speed with a GPS or radar, but I will soon. At 3700 RPM the math looks like it was right around 29-mph. I would expect a little lower top end with the 4-blade props, so that may not be incorrect. What is more telling, is the fact that my boat won't get up to the maximum motor rpm with the 24" pitch, and I know it's overpropped for max speed. What I am happy about, however, is the performance over the lower speed ranges where fuel economy, vibration, and relaxed cruising make more sense. It is quite a kick to be able to be on a plane at a low 2500 rpm or so, and the boat just glides along at that speed as though it could go on forever.
Would I recommend someone else put 23X24 4-blade props on their 38 with twin 427 motors? The aswer is "No". I would recommend 23x23 in a 4-blade just based upon experience, which will allow the motor to rev a bit higher. I may actually have mine repitched this summer next time they come out of the water. I'll run with my old 3-blades until they come back, and then make the swap again.
In any case, running a Commander at top speed is like racing motor homes. It's fuelish but fun. I would hate to guess how many gallons of fuel we burned showing off the other day, ha. Oh well, we'll settle down later this season and do some more responsible cruising.
There are no speed limits on the Cumberland, but you are responsible for your wake. The other day when we were out, I saw a fast approaching runabout coming in the opposite direction. I slowed down to a stop, walked out to the back of the boat and gave him the big "SLOW DOWN" signal, and then I pointed back to my huge wake which was STILL there even though I was at a complete stop. I could tell he was instnatly horrified at what he saw, he immediately backed all the way off the throttles as his boat came completely out of the water. Thankfully he didn't break anything, and actually turned around after he landed and waved a "thank you" back to us. Had he hit that wake at speed, he may have stuffed the boat. Ouch! It hurts just thinking about it.
Hope all is well with you and Paul. Keep us posted regarding your outings this season!
Regards,
Paul
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