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  1. ratdude747

    GPS Speedo

    I GPS'd my gauges when I redid them as part of a larger overhaul (pitot tube setup was destroyed and useless). But while I mostly used Faria gauges like you chose (literally the same models), I went with a "generic" cheapie LCD unit for the Speedometer as that also grants me heading (never use...
  2. ratdude747

    Mercruiser 888 Unexpected Prop behavior?

    (Delete this, I have fat fingers)
  3. ratdude747

    Mercruiser 888 Unexpected Prop behavior?

    Results: On the 21 pitch prop, I was able to hit a WOT of 3950-4000RPM, right near the middle of the range. Top speed was 45-47mph in the most favorable wind/current. Fuel economy was good too. Same results as the first time other than the RPM... maybe back then I did hit 3900 or so back then...
  4. ratdude747

    Mercruiser 888 Unexpected Prop behavior?

    Going to give the 21 one more try tomorrow on the river (or so is the plan). Just my wife and I, running as light as we'd ever run. Less wind so hopefully I'll be able to WOT it more without getting wrecked.
  5. ratdude747

    Mercruiser 888 Unexpected Prop behavior?

    Good point on the cam grind. Did you mean 1980? My boat is a 1976. And one of the two 888 outdrives I've salvaged came from an early 80's boat (1982, if memory serves and the seller was accurate). Piranha uses a composite core (Aluminum inner, reinforced plastic outer) and reinforced plastic...
  6. ratdude747

    Mercruiser 888 Unexpected Prop behavior?

    Oh I know. I just like Piranha and the blades being a serviceable part that doubles as a mechanical fuse in the event of a strike. One of the lakes I frequent seems to have a lot of hidden prop busters. --- Apparently I had it in my head the upper end of the WOT range is a redline... no, the...
  7. ratdude747

    Mercruiser 888 Unexpected Prop behavior?

    Piranha doesn't make a 20 (at least in 3-bladed 14.5" "A" blades). I thought they did, but it seems they don't.
  8. ratdude747

    Mercruiser 888 Unexpected Prop behavior?

    Yes. 4200 on the 19 with 4 people is likely too high if running lighter... so that'd make the 21 with two people at 3700 the lesser evil if running light? My fear is overrevving and floating valves. Other than the intake the top end is stock.
  9. ratdude747

    Mercruiser 888 Unexpected Prop behavior?

    Turns out Piranha doesn't make a 20 pitch blade... so looks like 21 was the correct pitch for running light. Yeah, it was a bit low on RPM, but it didn't really feel like it was lugging.
  10. ratdude747

    Mercruiser 888 Unexpected Prop behavior?

    Exactly. Which is why I'm not faulting the 21 pitch prop.
  11. ratdude747

    Mercruiser 888 Unexpected Prop behavior?

    It varies. Sometimes we have 6 people on board, sometimes as few as 2. Sometimes pulling a tube, sometimes just running around the lake/river for fun. Here is the history of the props used on the boat, to my knowledge: (Original?): Mercruiser 48-74888 15" 21P 3-blade rubber-hubbed aluminum...
  12. ratdude747

    Mercruiser 888 Unexpected Prop behavior?

    The 21 pulled the tube no problem... the biggest issue seen (that has always been the case) is that planing speed is 19-20mph which is also the max rated tube speed. We ended up blowing it a bit since I don't seem to have the magic tough to find the happy spot that keeps it on plane without...
  13. ratdude747

    Mercruiser 888 Unexpected Prop behavior?

    Did some lake testing today in better conditions. Bombed the 21 pitch while tubing (lost two blades but only had one spare). Didn't get to running it at WOT. After swapping blades over lunch break, I ran the 19 at WOT. Max speed 44mph, WOT at 4200RPM. 4 people on board. May try 20 pitch blades...
  14. ratdude747

    Rant: Can't catch a break with weekend weather...

    Good day today and I was able to take advantage of it. Thankfully not all lakes that I have access to are flood control lakes... flood control lakes are sky high right now (Monroe is 12ft+!).
  15. ratdude747

    Best "low effort" towable?

    Finally got the tube out today, Worked great, although I'll look to add a booster ball as rope spray was an issue.
  16. ratdude747

    Inherited boat, how bad is this?

    On the flip side, is it worth $60k used after repairs? Probably not. The judgement point should be what a used "working in good condition" used one goes for. What that value is, I couldn't say and will leave to those who have a lot more knowledge. Also, if one doesn't have $10k to spend/hock...
  17. ratdude747

    18ft Boat Launch with RWD Suburban

    For what it's worth (and to hopefully end this hijacking of a thread), I went ahead and installed the disable switch this evening.
  18. ratdude747

    Rant: Can't catch a break with weekend weather...

    This weekend was a bust... Saturday was rain and storms, Sunday was a repeat of two Sunday's before (and I didn't feel like getting beat up by white caps!). But this weekend (Memorial day) is nothing but rain F-M from what I'm seeing. Just can't catch a break...
  19. ratdude747

    18ft Boat Launch with RWD Suburban

    Not really. The way it's set up the pedal has to hit the switch first then push the brake booster rod. Thus, the switch has to be tripped for any truck braking action to occur.
  20. ratdude747

    18ft Boat Launch with RWD Suburban

    Funny enough the binding complaint came from my best friend. He grew up with the boat (it belonged to his aunt and uncle; the uncle and his dad ran it together since it was bought in 77)... but it also didn't have brakes then. My wife never had an issue. But she also never backed it up. My...
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