Cruising to Success: Propspeed Helps Nordhavn 47 Achieve Improved Performance

“We always set power by fuel flow – 3 and a half gallons an hour has always felt about right. Previously that would give us about 1730-1750 RPM right at 7 knots. Now, at those same 3 and a half gallons an hour, we’re getting about 1800 RPM and 7 and a half knots. So that’s a significant improvement. When 7 knots is a big deal, an extra half a knot actually makes a difference.”

Summary

Brit Etzold recently discovered the effectiveness of Propspeed after applying it to his Nordhavn 47, which has led to significant improvements in his vessel's performance, such as an extra half a knot at the same fuel flow.

About

Brit Etzold is living the dream of many boat enthusiasts – cruising around stunning for the past seven years in his Nordhavn 47, “Escape Velocity.” Escape Velocity has taken him to Alaska, Puget Sound, and various other destinations, logging an impressive 20,000 miles. Seasonality is never a problem for Brit and his family, using the boat all year round. “There is no bad weather, just bad equipment,” says Brit.

One essential that Brit has found particularly effective is Propspeed, protecting his underwater metals from fouling and corrosion. After it was applied to his keel cooler and he saw how well it worked, Brit jumped at the chance to enter a competition at a Nordhavn Owners Rendezvous. Brit won and had Propspeed applied to his main propeller, kicker prop, keel cooler, and hydraulic stabilizers.

The results have been nothing short of impressive. Brit described a recent 10-hour trip to Victoria, Canada, where he was able to measure the improvement in his vessel’s performance.

“We always set power by fuel flow – 3 and a half gallons an hour has always felt about right,” he explains. “Previously that would give us about 1730-1750 RPM right at 7 knots. Now, at those same 3 and a half gallons an hour, we’re getting about 1800 RPM and 7 and a half knots. So that’s a significant improvement. When 7 knots is a big deal, an extra half a knot actually makes a difference.”

For anyone who spends time on the water, even minor improvements in speed and fuel efficiency can make a significant difference in the overall experience and this is where Propspeed comes in. As Brit himself notes, “the proof is in the pudding.”