Is it bad to "underload" the engine

[ryanr623]

1991 mercruiser 4.3

I have on a 19p prop for watersports. At WOT it is running 5100rpms. My question is this. When I cruise, i cruise at 27mph and around 3800rpm. Anything less and im going 20 mph.... and takes me an hor to get to the island ha ha.

Is it bad to cruise at that high RPM, and be somewhat underpitched?

With my 21p WOT is 4800, and i cruise at 3200 at 30mph.

 

[Don S]

Re: Is it bad to "underload" the engine

It won't hurt the engine unless you exceed the WOT rpm.
Educate your right hand to not exceed the spec.