Merc 454 and Century 4500 CLX help needed...

[joshbeye]

Hey all, I have a technical question regarding my 1989 Century 4500 CLX. It takes a while to get up on plane with and without a skier. figure 10-13 seconds of slow dragging, Does anyone know answers to the following?<br />1. What is the top speed on the boat and 7.4 Merc 454?<br />2. What is the max RPM’s I should see at WOT?<br />3. I use this boat for wakeboarding, Is there any recommendation for a different pitched prop? Currently a 21 pitch Stainless Mirage <br />4. I know this boat is very aft heavy. Is there anyway to compensate? (I have trim tabs and they help a little)<br /><br />Thanks for your time~ Josh

 

[RepoMan207]

Re: Merc 454 and Century 4500 CLX help needed...

Hey all, I have a technical question regarding my 1989 Century 4500 CLX. It takes a while to get up on plane with and without a skier. figure 10-13 seconds of slow dragging, Does anyone know answers to the following?<br />1. What is the top speed on the boat and 7.4 Merc 454?<br />2. What is the max RPM’s I should see at WOT?<br />3. I use this boat for wakeboarding, Is there any recommendation for a different pitched prop? Currently a 21 pitch Stainless Mirage <br />4. I know this boat is very aft heavy. Is there anyway to compensate? (I have trim tabs and they help a little)<br /><br />Thanks for your time~ Josh

Josh,
I have the same boat, you don't want to use your trim tabs getting out of the hole. It puts un needed stress on crucial parts. They are there to level you out once on plane. I assume you have the 8" X 9" that came with the boat? Your right in saying it is very aft heavy, that 454 is no slouch. I have been recommended by several in the direction of a 4 blade prop. The boat almost stands straight up for a few moments before getting out of the hole, but boy is she great once she is up on plane. I have used many boats that don't handle like this ole girl in rough weather. My top speed so far is 55-57, but I have a few adjustments yet to do. As far as RPMS, I can't recall, I will update you when I get back out there, but you have the same exact prop as me right now.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Merc 454 and Century 4500 CLX help needed...

1. What is the top speed on the boat and 7.4 Merc 454?

Ayuh,... As Fast as it'll Go....

2. What is the max RPM’s I should see at WOT?

You should be seeing 4400/ 4800rpms at wot...

3. I use this boat for wakeboarding, Is there any recommendation for a different pitched prop? Currently a 21 pitch Stainless Mirage 4.

Try a 19" pitch,+ see if it handles better...