Need more speed

[lilgambler123]

I have a Volvo Penta B230 (2.3L) with a SPC outdrive in a Glastron. My problem is that at 4500 rpm I can only get around 20-22 mph. It looks as it has a factory 3 blade prop (I don't know specifics of it).

My question is HOW do I get more speed out of this engine prop combination or do I need to change props or what are your suggestions.

Thanks

 

[6meter]

Re: Need more speed

4500 sounds like a good WOT rpm. A 2.3 is a small motor. I don't know what size boat its pushing.

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: Need more speed

Could well be all you get with that pea shooter...

 

[Don S]

Re: Need more speed

Need to know the model number of your engine (not a B230), model number may start with an AQ, but without knowing the year, that may not happen either.

Along with approximate year, we need size and type of boat. Then there is a chance of finding out what is going on.

 

[lilgambler123]

Re: Need more speed

Sorry for so little detail,here we go it is a 1994 17foot Glastron with a 1993 B230 2.3 Volvo penta with a volvo penta spc outdrive.(B230) is all the numbers i can find for the motor. I can push the rottle all the way down and get about 5000 rpm out of it but still dont have about 23 or 24 mph then so i figured a good crusing rpm would be about 4650rpm but this thing is way to slow.i appreciate all the advise you all give.

 

[Biged007]

Re: Need more speed

Okay I'll try to throw my .02 in only because I am in the middle of the same engine. The fact that it says B230 and is a year older than the boat makes me wonder if the PO replaced it with a converted car engine as the guys are saying it should read AQ125 and I believe a B as my 84 is an AQ125A and if it is in fact a car engine I wounder what the true horsepower really is the marine version is approx. 120 not a whole hell of a lot I think you'll find a car engine is a bit less forcing the PO to deprop it a bit prob. decreasing the pitch to get the rpm's back up.
Next thing try and see if there are any ### stamped into the prop such as 14X13 or brand and part ##
Last what of hull is the Deep V / tri hull?
Trying to help
Ed

 

[Brucetafer]

Re: Need more speed

well, my block says b230, but theres 50 different motors that run the B230 block... most make about 120-130 HP, but my boat is a 16.5 foot arrowglass, and i took it out today and at 3500 RPM it was crusing at 22 MPH, so that prop is where you need to start... my prop is a 15-17, some people say a 14-19 rocks on that size boat, but dont take my word for it... go to the prop section and use the formula to get the right prop..

 

[Brucetafer]

Re: Need more speed

by the way, my mechanic said that the AQ131A that i have should get my boat to around 36-39 MPH no problem... his 19 foot with the same motor went 33 MPH with MUCH more weight..

 

[extreme76]

Re: Need more speed

Is speed GPS or speedo. I would confirm the speed with gps if you haven't already. Just a thought because at lower speeds (<30 ) my speedo actually reads low maybe yours does too. If GPS speed then ignore my suggestion.

 

[sethjon]

Re: Need more speed

I have a Volvo Penta B230 (2.3L) with a SPC outdrive in a Glastron. My problem is that at 4500 rpm I can only get around 20-22 mph. It looks as it has a factory 3 blade prop (I don't know specifics of it).

My question is HOW do I get more speed out of this engine prop combination or do I need to change props or what are your suggestions.

Thanks

With a 2.3 you won't get much more from it no matter what you do.

 

[45Auto]

Re: Need more speed

If it's running right (good compression, tuned, etc) and propped correctly, it should get into at least the mid 30's. My 120 with one weak cylinder (70 PSI, 130 in the other 3) in a 17' tri-hull would do 33 MPH GPS.

Do a compression check and make sure somebody hasn't stuck a low pitch prop on it trying to make up for a weak motor.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Need more speed

Howdy,


All the above suggestions are good to try.

But before you do that, verify your Tach and Speedometer.

You're wasting your time if one of them is off.

Cheers,


Rick

 

[twister216]

Re: Need more speed

Spec for lilgambler. The motor is a AQ131. The outdrive is a 270SP. The prop is a 14-17 Volvo Penta. She's turning 22mph at about 4500 rpm. That's been checked with a GPS. It doesn't put much strain on the engine to get up to those rpm's but that's where the speed tapers off. I don't know if that's all we need but your help is much appreciated. Thanks

 

[thumpar]

Re: Need more speed

What is your max RPM?

 

[twister216]

Re: Need more speed

It will run up to atleast 5000 rpm but we didn't want to run it up much higher for fear of blowing her up.

 

[thumpar]

Re: Need more speed

When everything is setup correctly you should not be able to overrev the engine in water. Your max RPM will be in the mid 4000s. You could be underpropped or have prop damage. It could be other things but I would start there.

 

[Robj]

Re: Need more speed

That boat should do at least into the low to mid 30's mph at WOT. I have the same motor and mine will get into the upper 30's.

If you aren't something is definitely wrong, either your rpm,s are off or your speed measurement.

If turning 5000 rpm with a 14X17 prop you should be at least into the low 30's mph.

Have a great day,

Rob.

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: Need more speed

you can't get something for nothing- it is a dog.

 

[JohnVH]

Re: Need more speed

max rpm should be 5000 with the aq125. I have the motor in a 1952 bayliner cuddy, I cruise at 4100rpm and do 24mph, full throttle at 5000rpm I get just over 30mph, these are GPS speeds. Typical cruise RPM for these engines is 4000-4400rpm.

Your boat should do alot more speed Id assume, but if your hitting 5k at full throttle it sounds like your propped right, nothing is slipping is it?

 

[sqbtr]

Re: Need more speed

Check your tune, 14 x 17 should let that eng run through 5000 RPM. Maybe the advance is hangin up