Depowering a Turbo DD?

[Crux]

Add the word 'process'...we can have word salad for lunch lol!

 

[DennisB1]

If this question has already been addressed my bad for not finding the thread. My question is this: Am looking at a boat withe DD 671 TI 485HP
This feels like way more power than needed and the fuel consumption at optimal efficiency (I'm informed) is 12.5 gph. Is there a simple way to drop some HP and fuel consumption by changing injectors and eliminating the turbo? Seems like i might reduce maintenance and increase longevity but that might just be more wishful thinking. Any experienced insights in this regard? Thanking you in advance for your time.

 

[DennisB1]

I would change the pitch of the props to maintain the full rpm range of the engine. Work with a prop shop to say set the max consumed hp at max rpm to 350hp. As a guide 5 gal/hr = 100hp. 350hp would be 17.5 gal/hr rather than 24.2 gal/hr at 485hp. If you operate at displacement speeds your consumption will be much lower. With lower pitch props the rpm will be higher at say 9 knots than with the existing props. Unloading the engine should give better service life.

 

[Lepke]

Detroit Diesel DD15
Refers to current 4 cycle engines.