1986 Capri 16 w/Force 85 - How fast?

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seapac

Cadet
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May 21, 2011
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I got it from a neighbor who is the original owner and hardly used at all and then stored forever. I even got extras the dealer threw in still in original packaging and wrappers! It's in incredible condition. So cool.

Not having owned this size of boat and power before, I'm interested if anyone (experienced actual owner or mechanic familiar with this model) can tell me what sort of speed I should expect out of it with just operator and calm water. It runs perfect, and at WOT I'm getting about 35 mph. I'm an experienced inboard motor guy and did all the necessaries when I got it to inspect, tune, lube, etc that I think you should do for an outboard. Followed the book instructions on adjusting the carbs, although it seems a little "non-technical" on the mixture adjustment. So just interested if that kind of speed sounds about right? Not complaining, just interested.

Thanks!
 
NYBo

NYBo

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Re: 1986 Capri 16 w/Force 85 - How fast?

Welcome to iboats!:cool:

You might get a few more MPHs with a different prop or trim setting, but you're in the ballpark. A couple of questions, though:
1. What is the pitch of your prop? You should be running a 17" or so.
2. What is the condition of your prop? What looks like minor damage can knock down your top speed more than you might think. It can also cause problems with the lower unit of the outboard if it's significantly out of balance.
3. How are you measuring your speed? If you are running where there isn't any current to account for, GPS will be more accurate than the speedometer.
 
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seapac

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Re: 1986 Capri 16 w/Force 85 - How fast?

Thanks for the tips. It's the stock prop, so I've never actually looked to see what the pitch is. The engine / prop are in stellar condition, no nicks or dings. I do like your idea of the gps. I have one, but didn't think of using it. Just the speedo on the dash. I'll try it! Since you're an experienced person, any tips on adjusting mixture that are better than how they tell you to do it in the owner's manual?
 
ezmobee

ezmobee

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Mar 26, 2007
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Re: 1986 Capri 16 w/Force 85 - How fast?

Does the motor have power trim?
 
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seapac

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Re: 1986 Capri 16 w/Force 85 - How fast?

Thank you - this post is awesome!
 
ezmobee

ezmobee

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Re: 1986 Capri 16 w/Force 85 - How fast?

seapac said:
No, it does not.
Click to expand...

(As you probably know) when you don't have power trim, you have to set your motor for the best compromise between good hole shot and top speed. Considering this, I think you're doing really well at 35MPH.
 
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seapac

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May 21, 2011
Messages
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Re: 1986 Capri 16 w/Force 85 - How fast?

Thanks for everyone's great input and help!
 
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