2008 Glastron GT185XL Power issues....

[Whiteys Glas]

I just purchased a 2008 Glastron GT185XL for myself and wife. I am somewhat dissppointed in the performance. I got the 3.0L Volvo Penta engine, which was told would be more than enough, however, it does not get out of the whole to pull anything except a tube. I know switching props will give me that whole shot im looking for. I am just curious if anyone has come up with any options that worked well. It currently has a 14.3x21 prop on it. I have been looking online and it shows poss a 14 1/4 x 19? Does this make sence?

It only has 2 hours on it, and I am a big guy (269 lbs) and I had to work hard to get up behind it on skis. HELP ME PLEASE lol.

 

[Glast-Ron]

Re: 2008 Glastron GT185XL Power issues....

Yep, I've got an '07 with the Merc 3.0l. Same problems, and with skiiers who weigh less (around 200#).

The 21 prop from the factory I don't think was balanced for hole shot and speed, so I think it's definitely a WOT speed prop.

A 19 would definitely be an improvement, but I actually had my dealer recommend going to a 17 and watch the WOT RPM's.

I haven't done it yet, as I'm looking for more feedback myself at this point.

 

[Pierutrus]

Re: 2008 Glastron GT185XL Power issues....

Yep to what the dealer said.
Try a 17 pitch Ballistic Stainless Steel prop.
Just be careful not to rip their arms out of their sockets.
AND watch your WOT...That pitch will put you in the high 5's.

 

[Pierutrus]

Re: 2008 Glastron GT185XL Power issues....

It only has 2 hours on it, and I am a big guy (269 lbs) and I had to work hard to get up behind it on skis. HELP ME PLEASE lol.

You might NOT want to start hammering that engine to soon.
Get through the break in period first before you start jamming on the throttle.
Wouldn't that be a sight to see.......
Your face when you take it back to the dealer and he tells you that the rod sticking through the block is not covered under your warranty because the engine has only 15 hrs on it!

Bring out the check book, that'll be another $5000

Just my 2 cents

 

[codertimt]

Re: 2008 Glastron GT185XL Power issues....

A lot is going to depend on what 17" prop you go to. If you had a mercruiser, I could predict with fair confidence that a 17" 4 blade Solas Amita will only increase rpms around 200-400 rpms from the stock 21" mercury 3 blade. But that is from personal experience of going from the mercury 3 blade to the Solas 4 blade on this hull... I dropped 2" in pitch and actually lost rpms when lightly loaded(4800 -> 4600).

But since the "stock" volvo prop an the "stock" Mercruiser prop are different starting points, I don't know that they will react exactly the same.

So basically, unless someone has tried a particular prop on a particular boat/motor combo, it's pretty much a guessing game when switching to a different brand/design/number of blades prop.

I personally thing you'll be fairly safe with most 4 blade 17" props. It might put you in the low 5000 range lightly loaded, but will get you the pulling power you want...

Just MHO...