Slow Boat or normal

Private Nemo

Seaman
Joined
Nov 7, 2011
Messages
60
Hi, I have a 1985 Formula 28pc with twin Merc 260's. Last weekend was my first time out with the boat. Enjoy it very much. But, I was disappointed with the speed of the boat. At full throttle I was running at 3500 rpms and 34 mph.

Does that sound right , I thought it was a little slow.

Drew
 

Bob_VT

Moderator & Unofficial iBoats Historian
Staff member
Joined
May 19, 2001
Messages
26,071
Re: Slow Boat or normal

yup too slow...... :(

Your motors do not sound like they are reaching their peak and optimum rpms. You should be seeing 4400-4800 rpms at WOT

You have some troubleshooting to do.
 

Private Nemo

Seaman
Joined
Nov 7, 2011
Messages
60
Re: Slow Boat or normal

Engines seem to run perfect. New carbs and complete tune up. I am leaning towards wrong props. Anybody have any idea what would be the best props for this boat ?

Drew
 

cr2k

Captain
Joined
Mar 19, 2009
Messages
3,730
Re: Slow Boat or normal

Ones that will will run at max RPM at WOT with boat loaded as usually used.
 

spoilsofwar

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Jun 29, 2011
Messages
1,124
Re: Slow Boat or normal

Engines seem to run perfect. New carbs and complete tune up. I am leaning towards wrong props. Anybody have any idea what would be the best props for this boat ?

Drew

What is the pitch of the props you have on now?
 

Augoose

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Mar 21, 2010
Messages
1,232
Re: Slow Boat or normal

From another article....

Think of a propeller as you would a car's axle ratio. The lower the ratio, the more pulling power from a standstill. The same is true with a prop. The lower the pitch, the better your hole-shot. However, this comes at a price: top speed.The lower pitch makes the engine reach maximum rpm at slower speeds.

Conversely, a higher pitch will deliver greater top speeds, but slower acceleration. Be aware that lower-horsepower engines can bog down if fitted with a propeller with too high a pitch and diameter, and that can wear heavily on internal engine parts.

If you're changing pitch on a recreational boat, remember that each inch of pitch is worth about 200 rpm.Lowering the pitch will increase rpm and vice versa. For example, going from a 23 pitch to a 21 pitch will increase engine rpm by about 400 revolutions.
 

Private Nemo

Seaman
Joined
Nov 7, 2011
Messages
60
Re: Slow Boat or normal

Hi , Thanks for the replys. This is my first season with the boat, so I am working out the bugs. It came with stainless steel props, I assume they were right for the boat, oops. I have know idea what size they are , didnt check
. So now I am trying to find out what was the original prop on this boat , not an easy task.
 
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