Id like to hear input from CP27 owners that have the larger engines. Cruising boat speed in chop as well as smooth water, windward performance with its blowing like stink, ect. Also if anybody has done this what prop did you go with and what would you do diferant. I already have my engine going together next week but am still pondering my prop situation. Thanks in advance!
My 27 has the 18HP Westerbeke with a 2.69 reduction gear. The prop is bronze 14d-12p 3 blade.
Because of the larger diameter I have to run my idle around 1100 or I get alot of vibration.
It cruises best at around 2200 rpm making ~4knots. If I'm in a "hurry" I will run around 2800rpm and just push 5.5 or so, but that gets loud after a while.
I cant recall any specific conditions where I felt underpowered. Even in heavy chop I move well through the water. I found myself submerging the bow of my boat in 15' of chop and a 20kt head wind this past summer. While that was a bit unnerving, and did slow me considerably, I still made forward progress.
In general I also feel like I have good slow speed handling/acceleration around the docks, etc.
My top speed under sail is 5.2 in ~15knot winds. In 8knots of wind I'm lucky to 3 over water.
Now, all that being said, last year was my first year on the water/sailing, so take everything I say with a grain of salt.
I'd be curious to know your experiences.