gear ratio help

[clancy1010]

I just picked up a 4 four winns 170 horizon (17 feet long) with a 185 hp 4.3 mercruiser. The out drive that came with the boat ( not on the boat) is a 1.98 R. I do not believe this is the right drive for the boat. All the research I find points me to a ratio of 1.84. This Gears in the top are bad so I can put what ever ratio in the top I want. Does any one know what the correct ratio should be.

 

[picklenjim]

Re: gear ratio help

With that engine in a 17 ft. boat you could use a 1.84 or even a 1.62.