The Steamboating Forum

Dietrich:
I agree the valve chest pressure would provide instructive information. I have not plumbed it for measurements.
Of course, the one compound slide valve creates some challenges of WHERE to tap for the pressure readings, as there are multiple pressure chambers involved.

At this time I am content with the data I have collected. I did determine that the old-design/new cast propeller performs more efficiently, and that my primary limitation is the low power from the small steam plant. At least I now understand that I can achieve cruising speed at a lower rpm. This is good news for a condensate-lubricated steam engine.
RussN

Congratulations - excellent results and beautiful work, and enough of a speed boost to win a close race or to

At this point it looks like making sure the boiler is producing as much steam as possible is in order, so making sure you have sufficient feedwater & economizer surface would be in order, boiler and piping properly insulated, etc may eke out a bit more speed.

- Bart

Thanks, Bart. Good suggestions.
I will first raise the safety valve pop pressures from 100/105 psi to 120/125 psi.
I'm concerned higher pressures might not be good for the compound slide valve, especially with condensate lubrication.
I don't have data on maximums I can approach.
We'll see next year...
RussN