Since both of us are sailors, one of the big factors as we contemplate a move over to the dark side is figuring out exactly what “power boating” is all about.  For me, some of the big questions are: What is it like to spend a day ‘motoring’ instead of ‘sailing’?  How fast do we want to go?  How comfortable/loud/smooth/rolly/jarring is it at different speeds?

Bruce, in addition to those questions, is concerned about all kinds of mechanical and drive train issues.  In the American Tug 395, which engine should he get: the 380 HP or 480 HP? What propeller would be best?  What is the actual fuel consumption at different RPMs?  And on and on and on.  We have a lot to learn, and a lot of decisions to make as we approach construction deadlines. Continue reading Test Drive – American Tug 395 →