1984 28' Century Meridan

[dwilliam]

I just purchase a 1984 28' Century Meridan. It has a single 5.7 liter 350 260 HP. I have not been able to find any information for the specs on this boat. It holds 120 gallons of gas and currently has a 15 pitch prop on it but with a full tank of gas and/or passengers sitting on the rear seat the boat will not get on plane. I have not seen any other Century's of this year and size with a single motor. Is my boat just under powered or is it possible there is something else wrong?

 

[jabroni]

Re: 1984 28' Century Meridan

I recently purchased a 1989 28' Century Meredian last summer with the same engine and duoprop outdrive. With me and one other person on board, 30 gal or less of gas, I can get on plane, slowly. Any more weight on the back of the boat will cause the boat to slow dramatically and cannot get on plane. The only way I can get on plane is if I send everyone to the bow of the boat, put my tabs and drive all the way down, get up, then bring em back up top. Then I can trim out and plane somewhat nicely.
This boat is actually very heavy by itself and with any more weight on board, is in my opinion very underpowered. Im not sure if the engine is just worn out(it is hard to crank at times) or if the trim tabs are too small.
I am currently looking at a new 350 or 383 stroker from michinganmotorz.com and looking to replace the trim tabs. Newer engines have greater h.p. and torque ratings than there 20 year old predecessors.
If you have any more info on your boat, please let me know. It is hard to find info on this particular boat.