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Old 07-08-2020, 08:56 AM   #16
Portage_Bay
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City: Coupeville Wa.
Vessel Name: Pacific Myst
Vessel Model: West Bay 4500
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 2,415
Mark,

A more complete answer after giving it some thought. Keeping in mind that I don't have a lot of underway time on either boat so I'm going with published numbers on GPH and observed speeds. Much of the limited time on both boats was in strong currents so observed speeds have been corrected as best I can without having run courses in opposite directions to average speed. Both boats have clean bottoms and running gear.

Beneteau ST 34
Single Cummins QSB5.9I
RPM - Knots - GPH - nMPG
1000 - 5.5 - 1.25 - 4.40
1500 - 7.5 - 2.9 - 2.59
2500 - 15 - 12 - 1.25


The published data for the ST are from:
https://www.boattest.com/review/bene...ift-trawler-34
https://www.powerandmotoryacht.com/b...ift-trawler-34
https://www.boatingmag.com/boats/ben...ft-trawler-34/

I did not observe the performance the tests found so take my data for what it's worth. Still the ST is a very fuel efficient boat. In part due to her small size, light weight and ability to plane.

Californian 42 LRC
Twin Cat 3208 naturals
RPM - Knots - GPH - nMPG
1000 - 4.5 - Unknown
1400 - 6.5 - 3.8 - 1.71
1600 - 7.5 - 4.8 - 1.56

The fuel burn #s are from Cat data sheets found on boatdiesel.com. The data start at 1500 at 2 GPH so I've guessed 1400 is 1.9. She's a twin so I doubled the GPM from the Cat data sheet. An argument can be made that you don't have to double the #s, but until I have more time / distance on her it's all I can do.

This shows with limited experience the ST is far easier on fuel than the Californian.

Beyond fuel consumption for my needs and wants there is no comparison. The ST is small and to me feels cramped. Interior trim is all laminate which I do not find attractive. Tankage especially potable water and black water are limiting factors for the way I want to use a boat.

So all things considered I'm happy with the Californian. And for the price difference of $330K for the ST vs $70K I purchased the Californian for I can buy a lot of fuel to support my comfort.

But if speed is your thing the ST is reputed to make 20 kts top end burning about 20 GPH. Pretty darned good! Wind the 3208's in the Californain up and on pre purchase sea trials we saw 12 knots and I'd expect her to burn about 20 to 25 GPH. I wouldn't want to do that for very long.
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