Repower or change to DP?

[Barney1201]

I currently have a 2006 Starcraft Aurora 2410 I/O. It has a 50.GXi-E - 3869255 - 4012165409 with a SX-M 1.6 outdrive - 3868891 - 4202129651. The boat runs well but just does'nt plane quickly enough. If you have 4 adults and 5 kids it takes 25-30 seconds to plane. I am considering repowering with a 5.7 GXi or 6.2L "stroker". Does VP make an ECM for a 6.2L? Or would I be better off not repowering and changing to a Duoprop? This will be a winter project since the boat is already in the water. Thanks in advance for thoughts on the project.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Repower or change to DP?

I currently have a 2006 Starcraft Aurora 2410 I/O. It has a 50.GXi-E - 3869255 - 4012165409 with a SX-M 1.6 outdrive - 3868891 - 4202129651. The boat runs well but just does'nt plane quickly enough. If you have 4 adults and 5 kids it takes 25-30 seconds to plane. I am considering repowering with a 5.7 GXi or 6.2L "stroker". Does VP make an ECM for a 6.2L? Or would I be better off not repowering and changing to a Duoprop? This will be a winter project since the boat is already in the water. Thanks in advance for thoughts on the project.

Before I'd go through all that effort and expense...

1. Do you trim the outdrive down (in) all the way when you 'launch?'

2. Do you have trim tabs? Do you use them in the full down position when you try to launch? Cost to add a set of Bennetts is (I think) $500-600.

3. Have you tried a different prop (less pitch?).

4. can you rebalance the load on the boat? Move more weight toward the bow?

5. Think about a repower objectively. Yeah, it's great if you can always get on plane in a few seconds, but... is that load of passengers a 'sometimes' thing or the norm?

My .02

 

[Barney1201]

Re: Repower or change to DP?

Thanks for the input. To answer your questions.
1. The outdrive is all the way in.
2. I do not have trim tabs but I have installed a SE Sport 300 Hydrofoil. It seems to help a little.
3. I have changed from a 3-blade to 4-blade prop which has also helped some. (not sure of the pitch)
4. We have tried rebalancing the load with the adults upfront with 1 or 2 of the children but does not seem to help.
5. The load of passengers is more common than not.

 

[security6]

Re: Repower or change to DP?

I'd try a new prop before I did anything else because a new prop is a whole lot cheaper than a repower or a new outdrive. There is a forum here dedicated to propellers on here that is great. Read the sticky, they'll want you to do some tests (e.g. top speed, rpm @ top speed, etc) before they can recommend you a good prop.

As a point of comparison, I have a Larson 234 Escape, which is a deckboat like your starcraft. I have a 5.7GS (250 hp) with the SX (single prop) drive, and I have no problem getting on plane, even with a full load or pulling up a slalom skier. You have a smaller engine, but it is fuel injected (mine has a carb) so yours should make close to the power that mine does, and your boat isn't that much bigger. I'm betting a different pitched prop will help alot.

 

[security6]

Re: Repower or change to DP?

A 24' IO with a heavy load of people and gear is never going to be a performer with a V-6 in it.

Does the engine reach rated RPM at Wide Open Throttle? If so the prop is correct.

I would suggest that you will be money ahead to sell the current boat and buy one that meets your needs better.

I agree, but I'm pretty sure he has a V8 (never heard of a 5.0 liter V6). On top of that, it is fuel injected and those put out a bit more power than the carb'd engines.

 

[Barney1201]

Re: Repower or change to DP?

Yes, the 5.0 is a V-8. I don't know about selling the boat because it is paid for and I don't want to incur a payment when I can pay for the repower or the DuoProp in cash.

 

[Don S]

Re: Repower or change to DP?

You put a DP lower unit on that boat with the MPI engine, and it will act like you put a lot bigger engine in it. You WILL get a Much better hole shot, better mileage, and stay on plane at a lower speed with the DP.
You also only need to replace the lower unit, NOT the complete outdrive.
It will be a night and day change in the boats performance. Not just a noticeable difference.

 

[Barney1201]

Re: Repower or change to DP?

Thanks Don,

I have been doing some research on the lower unit and found it at www.marinepartsexpress.com. I think I would need the 1.95 gear ratio but am unsure which props. I know they are expensive and I would like to only purchase one set. Any thoughts or suggestions.

 

[Don S]

Re: Repower or change to DP?

Might want to give iboats a call at 1-800-718-1233. They have a program where you can buy the props and if they are not the correct pitch you can return them for a different size. I assume the program still exists.
Then you might want to post about which prop you want over in the Prop forum.
Might even want to ask where you buy the drive. They may have a DP calculator there.

 

[saintlee]

Re: Repower or change to DP?

went thu this a couple of months ago
24' glastron 5.0 gl-e / dp-sm outdrive 1.95
don is correct, big difference in planing,rpms at cruise speed, and backing up
i had to buy two sets of props, first set wot rpms too low
good luck

 

[Barney1201]

Re: Repower or change to DP?

Sorry about the delay in response but busy week last week. Don, thanks for the advice, I'm going to call iboats but also check with the supplier to see if they have some type of calculator or chart. Saintlee, what size props are you running now?

 

[saintlee]

Re: Repower or change to DP?

started with ss F5 props (wot at 4100) too low
switched to ss F4 props (wot at 4550) perfect
but remember i have a 5.0 gl-e which is carbed
your running 5.0 fuel injected, which has more hp
my opinion for you is the F5