5.0 merc performance questions

[excalibur-oc]

Last fall I purchased a Bayliner 2655 Ciera Sunbridge and would like to know what are the best operating conditions. We stepped up from a Wellcraft 18.5 Airslot Bowrider to this, our first I/O, first cruiser. The advice & info I had received with the bowrider from this forum was absolutely great & Bang on!
As above it has a 5.0 litre Merccruiser with the Alpha 1, Thunderbolt Ignition & power steering.
What is a safe, efficient cruising RPM?
I found out the boat has an OEM weight of 4500lbs, it has a 8.5' beam, power tilt & trim as well as trim tabs.
There is a hesitation on take off when I give it full throttle from dead slow - is this normal.
It is running a 16" X 16 pitch prop. Is this the right prop?
Full throttle gives me an easy 4000 - 4200 Rpm probably more if I held it there for any length of time.

What speed should I reasonably expect out of it at an optimum RPM?
Any does & don't you recommend with the running & maintaining of this power train?

Tks Ex

 

[Bondo]

Re: 5.0 merc performance questions

There is a hesitation on take off when I give it full throttle from dead slow - is this normal.

Nope,... sounds like a Carb issue...

It is running a 16" X 16 pitch prop. Is this the right prop?
Full throttle gives me an easy 4000 - 4200 Rpm probably more if I held it there for any length of time.

You should be seeing 4400/ 4800rpms at WOT...
You need a smaller prop, or more likely a lower geared outdrive...
You have Too much boat,+ Not enough Horsepower...

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: 5.0 merc performance questions

Typical Bayliner, put the smallest,lowest cost powerplant in a portly barge. Good luck.