LA VIDA OPERATION MANUAL
NW Explorations | 27
6.2.4
Main Engine Operating Parameters
The Caterpillar C15 ACERT engines are rated at 853 HP at their maximum RPM of 2300. Please
keep them at 1400 RPM or less to save fuel. The economical cruising speed is 1100 RPM, which
will push La Vida along at 9-10kts with a fuel burn of approximately 12 gph. It is also very
important to slow the engines gradually and then idle them for 5-10 minutes before shutdown
to cool the bearings, especially those of the turbocharger which are very hot at high speeds. This
is easily accomplished as you enter harbors or set up anchor.
Engine Operating Parameters
RPM
Fuel Burn
(g/h)
Speed
(knots)
Efficiency
(nm/g)
1,000
11.5
1
8.4
0.7
1,200
15.5
1
9.8
0.6
1,400
25.0
1
11.2
0.4
1,600
35.8
1
12.2
0.3
1,800
36.8
2
2,000
49.6
2
1.
Measured values
2.
Caterpillar engine specifical data sheet
Note:
Cooling seawater is ejected under the hull which eliminates sound, and soot on the hull.
Consequently, you will not be able to see seawater flow through the exhaust ports.
6.3
Fuel System
The boat has four diesel fuel tanks with a total capacity of 1,850 gallons. Three forward tanks are
located between the engine room and the master stateroom. The fourth tank is located aft, in
the lazarette, which accessible from either the starboard or port deck hatches. Each tank has its
own fill and vent line, all located amidships on both sides. Two deck fill caps are located mid-ship
on the starboard side steps and one deck fill cap is located mid-ship on the port side deck steps.
The lazarette tank is normally left empty; the fill cap is located on the deck of the lanai. Each
deck fill is equipped with a screw cap engraved ‘DIESEL’. At the engine room forward bulkhead
are the three tank’s sight gauges. The fuel manifold is located in the lower middle of the
bulkhead, and there are cross-over valves at the bottom of the three engine room tanks to allow
fuel to flow level between them. This means you can fill all three tanks through one deck fill if
the cross-over valves are open. The cross-over valves are normally left open to allow easy fuel
fill and balance between the tanks.
6.3.1
Fuel Management
Consider the following when reviewing and planning fuel needs:
•
Estimate high on fuel consumption
•
Both the 20kW and 16kW generators use 1.7 GPH at full load
•
Plan on a 20% reserve, a minimum of 350 gallons
