1988 Bayliner Capri with a 1988 85 horse Force Outdrive

[Austin8176]

I have a few questions and I am hoping someone with a bit more salt in their veins can assist me. Some of these questions are aimed at the outboard itself so I will repost in the appropriate section.

The water that comes out of my outdrive (exhaust) is very hot. Is that usual?

What is the best sealer to use on the transom? The molding is coming off.

My top end speed with two adults and two kids is about 34ish. That is with about 10 gallons of fuel. Does that sound right?

I currently am using a 13 1/2 x 19 pitch prop but would like to get more performance for tubing and skiing. What is the lowest pitch prop suggested to us?

Is the prop and standard turn or left turn on these outboard?

Sometimes when I start her up she fires right up other times I have to rev the outboard to get her to start. She always fires up but am curious why sometimes she fires right up and other times I have to rev the engine up.

I have also considered putting a larger horsepower outboard on but am leery because it says rated for 85 horse. Any thoughts? I was considering a 115 or 125.

What is the best way to get the oxidation off the paint?

Thanks so much for looking and your time. Happy Boating.

Paul

 

[NYBo]

Re: 1988 Bayliner Capri with a 1988 85 horse Force Outdrive

Your boat is exactly the same model as mine. You are over-propped. It came with a 13x17 prop from the factory. You would get a better hole shot from this size prop, and probably better top end since you would be able to get the motor up in the proper RPM range. This motor uses right-hand turning props.

You can only rev a motor after it starts, so I'm not exactly sure what you mean. You need to use the choke (push in on the ignition key while cranking) to start the motor when it's cold.

A larger motor would be a very bad idea, IMO. The boat was only designed for the thrust and speed capabilities of an 85, and that was when the transom and related parts were brand and in perfect condition.

Unless a previous owner painted the boat, the blue is gelcoat, not paint. There are hundreds of threads on the topic of cleaning oxidation off gelcoat.

 

[Austin8176]

Re: 1988 Bayliner Capri with a 1988 85 horse Force Outdrive

NYBo thanks for the reply.

I appreciate the answer about the prop... this is the first Bayliner I have owned and am still getting use to all the technical aspects of it. We have had it about 4 weeks now and it has been an incredible boat. We have a lot of fun on it.

In regards to my question about starting the boat... I am sure I didnt use the correct or proper terminology. There are days when I go out and all I have to do is turn the key (choke it) and she fires right up. Other days I have to pull the throttle out as if I was going to rev the engine while not in gear to get her to start. I am not sure that makes sense... in my head it does but not sure I am relaying my question properly lol.

Thanks for the answer on the engine size. Your answer was what I had thought.

I am going to change back the factory suggested prop. I had one but hit a log and it ruined the prop. It did perform a lot better with the 17 pitch.

The water that comes out of my outdrive (exhaust) is very hot. Is that usual?

Is there a way to measure the rpm's without having a proper rpm gauge? Or is it possible to put an rpm gauge on and link it to an outboard? Every I/O i have owned has already had a gauge to measure the rpm's. In fact this is only the second outboard I have owned and the first was when I was in high school many moons ago.

Just out of curiosity what is your top end?

Thanks again and happy boating.

 

[NYBo]

Re: 1988 Bayliner Capri with a 1988 85 horse Force Outdrive

I see you are listing your boat as being 19'. If that's true (it would actually be a couple of inches shy of that), you have a 1900 Capri Bowrider, which is rated for 125 HP. The 1700 came with, and is rated for, 85 HP, which is what I had assumed you have. Time to break out the tape measure to see exactly what you have. Measure from the tip of the bow to the back of the transom; do NOT include the swim platform.

The water coming out of the motor will be hot once it reaches operating temperature. There is an overheat alarm under the instrument panel, and it's important to heed it. However, that's assuming it's working. If you haven't already done so, changing the water pump impeller is part of routine maintenance. Look for the sticky how-to at the top of the Force & Chrysler Outboard section.

You need a tachometer made for outboards with 20-pole stators, which is a fairly uncommon beast. I got mine used from eBay.

I would love to tell you what my top end is, and I will, if I ever get the @#$! boat in the water.:redface: