I've been reading through the forums for hours, and haven't seen my problem there, so I'll ask. I'm not new to boating, but this is my first sterndrive. I just purchased a used Chris Craft 2000 23 foot deck boat. It has the 5.7L GS engine, Volvo Penta Sx outdrive with a 1.66 ratio. It has a 14 1/2 X 17 prop installed, and a 19 in storage. My use will be between 3000 and 7000 feet elevation, and mostly water fun stuff (skiing, etc.)
Since I'm breaking in the motor, I can't go WOT, but when I went up to the lake to run around, I could hardly get started. The hole shot was like pulling out of mud. I didn't go over 3800 RPM, and got up to around 33 MPH by messing with the trim. Altitude was about 6000 feet.
When I go to a prop calculator, it doesn't show that gear ratio as being available. Using the ratios offered, they suggest a 11 or 12 pitch.
I want to break in the motor right, but I also want to do something while I'm at it. I realize I will probably need to change props between the high and low altitudes, and that isn't a problem. Any suggestions?
Since I'm breaking in the motor, I can't go WOT, but when I went up to the lake to run around, I could hardly get started. The hole shot was like pulling out of mud. I didn't go over 3800 RPM, and got up to around 33 MPH by messing with the trim. Altitude was about 6000 feet.
When I go to a prop calculator, it doesn't show that gear ratio as being available. Using the ratios offered, they suggest a 11 or 12 pitch.
I want to break in the motor right, but I also want to do something while I'm at it. I realize I will probably need to change props between the high and low altitudes, and that isn't a problem. Any suggestions?
