Helmsman 31 with John Deere 125hp arrived

[Durant F]

Being a sailor, I hoped for a low rpm 7 knot cruise and felt the John Deere suited this application much better.
The boat arrived last week and after sea trials, determined the prop required re-pitching. Final testing should be this Thursday or Friday.
This is the first Helmsman 31 (Camano) with the John Deere 4045 installed. It is a big 4 cylinder at 4.5 litres and a very high torque engine. Max RPM is only 2500 and I'm hoping for a lumbering cruise RPM of around 1500.
After prop change and final testing I will post a speed-RPM-Fuel Burn chart.
I want to mention that not only am I extremely happy with the quality and features of the the boat, but am totally impressed dealing with Scott and Lisa at Waterline. They have worked with me to get the features I wanted and in every instance the "spirit of co-operation" has prevailed. In an industry that at times seems more $$ than service oriented, it has been refreshing dealing with Scott.
Both he and Lisa are live aboards....They "get it"
I'll keep this thread updated as sea trials are finalized and cruising begins.
Currently in Seattle.
The Broughtons are calling.....

[dhays]

Welcome and congratulations on the new boat.

The sea trial indicated that the prop needed re-pitching. Did the engine fail to reach the 2500 max RPM?

Assuming the boat was trialed fresh from the yard, you might want to consider loading it with full fuel and water before retesting it. An empty, light boat with a fresh bottom is not the same as loaded up boat with a less-than-pristine bottom.

[Durant F]

Fuel was 7/8
Water was full 😄

[dhays]

Originally Posted by Durant F

Fuel was 7/8
Water was full 😄

[Durant F]

Photo of "Emma B"

[RT Firefly]

Greetings,
Welcome aboard eh?

[O C Diver]

Welcome to the forum! You will like the JD 4045. I installed the same engine in my 45' Cherubini and have been extremely pleased with it

Ted

[Sailor of Fortune]

Was the JD an optional power over the Seasall or custom install?

[rwidman]

Originally Posted by dhays;576218[B

]"...........The sea trial indicated that the prop needed re-pitching. Did the engine fail to reach the 2500 max RPM? "[/B]

Assuming the boat was trialed fresh from the yard, you might want to consider loading it with full fuel and water before retesting it. An empty, light boat with a fresh bottom is not the same as loaded up boat with a less-than-pristine bottom.

I'm more than a but surprised that the manufacturer/dealer delivered a boat with an improper propeller installed. I would have though that they would have determined the correct prop and installed it before delivering it.

That said, once you get the bugs ironed out, I'm sure you will love that boat. It's a good size for a cruising couple.

[dhays]

Originally Posted by WesK

I'm more than a but surprised that the manufacturer/dealer delivered a boat with an improper propeller installed. I would have though that they would have determined the correct prop and installed it before delivering it.

I think it may be related to what the OP mentioned in his initial post

"This is the first Helmsman 31 (Camano) with the John Deere 4045 installed.".

[rwidman]

Originally Posted by dhays

I think it may be related to what the OP mentioned in his initial post

They could have done the testing before delivery just like (I assume) they did with the Hyundai engine.

[Durant F]

Guys guys guys....

1-yes this engine is custom at my request

2-yes it is not only the first JD in a Camano....it is the first really low rpm engine ever in one.

3-yes, they used computer to "size the prop"
No...computers don't alway work
Yes the sea trial showed it needed re-pitched
Yes, it would have been done BEFORE I got here had I not wanted to be along

[dhays]

Originally Posted by WesK

They could have done the testing before delivery just like (I assume) they did with the Hyundai engine.

Ah, good point.

I see that the OP wanted to be along for that sea trial hence why the re-pitching wasn't done before he got to the boat.

[rwidman]

Originally Posted by dhays

Ah, good point.

I see that the OP wanted to be along for that sea trial hence why the re-pitching wasn't done before he got to the boat.

I would have thought they would have selected and installed the proper prop before the boat even left China.

[IRENE]

Very pretty boat. Thanks for sharing your experience dialing it in, and please keep us posted.

Where will you berth her?

You mentioned the Broughtons - is that going to happen this summer/fall?

Best Wishes

Jeff

[Durant F]

WesK
The engine was spec'd by myself and sent over from the USA distributor here to China. It was not purchased from a Chinese distributor.
I wanted to be there the first time the engine was started, by a USA mechanic, and I was.
I also wanted to be aboard for the first sea trial...along with a USA mechanic... and I was.
You seem to have a problem with that...
It was my request.
My engine spec, my boat and Scott was co-operative enough to allow me to be part of the process.
I am thankful for it!

[Durant F]

Jeff
I will be stored "on the hard" in Pender Harbour BC.
From this Weds until November it will be cruised through the San Juans, Gulf Ialands, across the Straight of Georgia to Gibsons, up the Sunshine Coast, through Desolation Sound, the Discovery Islands, the Broughtons and the lower end of Queen Charlotte Sound before returning to Pender to haul out.
It will not have a "berth" as such, but be 'on the move' while in the water.
The PNW is simply beautiful!!
I got invited along on a friends boat 10yrs ago and fell in love with the coast!
After an engine report with speed/RPM/fuel burn etc here, I'll start a new thread with pics of the cruise.

[dhays]

Originally Posted by Durant F

Jeff
I will be stored "on the hard" in Pender Harbour BC.
From this Weds until November it will be cruised through the San Juans, Gulf Ialands, across the Straight of Georgia to Gibsons, up the Sunshine Coast, through Desolation Sound, the Discovery Islands, the Broughtons and the lower end of Queen Charlotte Sound before returning to Pender to haul out.
It will not have a "berth" as such, but be 'on the move' while in the water.
The PNW is simply beautiful!!
I got invited along on a friends boat 10yrs ago and fell in love with the coast!
After an engine report with speed/RPM/fuel burn etc here, I'll start a new thread with pics of the cruise.

Keep us informed how it goes. I'll be heading North to the Desolation Sound area the middle of August.

[rwidman]

Originally Posted by Durant F

WesK
The engine was spec'd by myself and sent over from the USA distributor here to China. It was not purchased from a Chinese distributor.
I wanted to be there the first time the engine was started, by a USA mechanic, and I was.
I also wanted to be aboard for the first sea trial...along with a USA mechanic... and I was.
You seem to have a problem with that...
It was my request.
My engine spec, my boat and Scott was co-operative enough to allow me to be part of the process.
I am thankful for it!

I don't have a problem with that, my only problem is with the fact that you did not make this clear in the first place. If you had furnished this information in the beginning, I would not have questioned why the manufacturer did things the way they did.

I am unable to read your mind. If something is important, you have to state it at the beginning.

[Durant F]

I started this thread for 3 reasons.
1-to share why I went with a John Deere
2-to report on the rpm/speed/fuel burn of a lower horse power, lower rpm engine in a Camano
3-to share what a treat it has been dealing with Scott and Lisa

Hope to be underway Weds afternoon and will keep those interested posted on my findings. Have a great day everyone.