First run of the season and a couple concerns

[seaboo]

I took my boat out (90 Horizon 220 5.8). Solo launch was a pain (but luckily a slow lake day), Now granted I need to change the plugs but it only topped out at 40-42 mph (per gps), I thought the boat would have a little more up top, lake was smooth (well a small amount of chop, the tach was reading 4200-4500 and it is a stock prop). Is that a correct top speed or do I need to look into it? I really do not have an old baseline of top speed on this boat as I've only had it out once before. Also when I was under way and adjusted the trim (both directions) the engine would bog down a small (but noticeable) amount. I've never experienced that before, what could be the cause that?

Other than those issues it was a nice day to be out.

 

[airdvr1227]

Re: First run of the season and a couple concerns

Someone here will know for sure but my 5.8L is supposed to run at 4200-4500 at WOT. As for setting the trim...you'll find that sweet spot where the RPM's come up and the boat is planed out just right. Too much trim up and I feel my rig start to 'stall' for lack of a better word. Speed falls off, revs come up too much.

I'm still experimenting with props to find the right speed/RPM combo.

 

[TBTOsterman]

Re: First run of the season and a couple concerns

I can't answer all of your questions but I do remember having trouble with the engine bogging when I trimmed - on two different boats. Each time it was caused by a bad connection from the battery / alternator. I think, in my case, the alt was not producing enough juice to power the ignition and the amp load of the trim pump. Check your battery, alternator, and grounds for corroded or bad connections.

 

[redone4x4]

Re: First run of the season and a couple concerns

40-42 doesnt sound too shabby.

 

[seaboo]

Re: First run of the season and a couple concerns

TBTOsterman-- that is a GREAT place to start. I have a new battery in the boat, and I did clean the cable conections (due to a bad connection before) but I haven't checked the Alt. conections yet (the amp gauge was bouncing around a little more that I would have liked--not real bad but I wasn't happy with it). I'll start there. Thanks

Redone4x4 I agree it isn't TOO shabby but everthing I've read about this model the top speed is closer to 50 (could be my altitude or maybe people lie about their top speed). I'm happy with the topend, just wondering what is normal.

 

[cpubud]

Re: First run of the season and a couple concerns

when it come to top speed there is no normal all boats will be different depending on load .even placement of load will make a difference. tune-up, weight load,prop and a bunch of things have an effect on it,even tide direction.

 

[oops!]

Re: First run of the season and a couple concerns

untill you do a basic tune up you will never get a base line...

and is the gas in the tank old or new?...that will make a huge difference

 

[180shabah]

Re: First run of the season and a couple concerns

Back to the cables, you cleaned the battery terminals, but what about the rest of the connections between the battery and the trim pump?

 

[seaboo]

Re: First run of the season and a couple concerns

180shabah- Not yet but I will in a day or 2. I REALLY think that may be my problem (it makes ALOT of sense anyway). I am Planning on cleaning the trim connections and all grounds just to be safe and elimate that.

oops!-- The gas was new (I did have alittle old gas (last season-stablized) in the tank, but topped it up with fresh fuel. Getting tune up parts today.

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: First run of the season and a couple concerns

Top End:

To me in the low 40s seems reasonable for that boat/motor combo.

Keep in mind that the 5.8L Ford based motor of that era only produces 235HP at the crankshaft, 210 at the prop. The 5.7L Chevy based motor of the same vintage produced 260 HP at the crank.

The Ford motor is also a bit heavier.

The boat/motor dry weight is probably around 3800 lbs.

It is a pretty good size/weight boat. Four Winns/OMC offered it with the Ford 460 for a reason.

A good tune up and confirming that everything is in tip-top shape may give you a little more top end. However, I don't think I would be too disappointed with what you have speed wise.

 

[QC]

Re: First run of the season and a couple concerns

There really is no "stock" prop. Can you get us the pitch and we need the exact RPM where she ran the fastest when trimmed properly.

This slight bog was apparent whenever you hit the trim button? She will bog down when you trim in as that drives the bow down and would be completely normal. Can you clarify?

Also, I see Mountains in your location. What altitude is the lake you tested on?

 

[seaboo]

Re: First run of the season and a couple concerns

QC-- What I mean by stock prop. is the original from the factory (I believe there were only 2 "options" on a prop. Not sure on the pitch (can't read it) but the engine was at 4500 rpm (per the factory tach. that I assume is fairly correct.

The slight bog was apparent ANY time the trim button was messed with (up or down and lasting the whole time the button was pressed) it was an actually engine bog (witch is why I agree it is probably a corroded connection somewhere).

The altitude at the lake was about 1300 feet (not as high as I figured actually, and the boat was bought at a similar altitude location -so I'm not concerned about that factor anymore (btw my home is at 3600 ft and I figured the lake was closer to that height but I was apparently bad wrong on that one).

I have just finished a tune up on it, plan on cleaning connections and re-lake testing in a couple days. I'm NOT disappointed in the top end at all I'm just trying to figure out if it's where it should be.

 

[craigman]

Re: First run of the season and a couple concerns

You mentioned this was the first time out for the season.
Was this on a fresh tank of gas, or last seasons gas?
That could make a big difference.

Just a thought!
Craig

 

[bruceb58]

Re: First run of the season and a couple concerns

If the engine was spinning 4200 RPM no gas or tuneup is going to change the fact that at 4200 and at his particular trim the boat will go a certain speed. That's just the physics of it. On the other hand, if a tuneup or better gas would allow him to reach 4200 RPM with a higher pitch prop, that is another story.

The bog you felt while operating the trim was definitley due to a voltage drop. I am assuming that if you punch the button quickly, you are detecting an engine miss? Mine did the same onec becuase the battery cable down at the battery was slightly loose. You also need to check your negative battery cable where it attaches to the engine.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: First run of the season and a couple concerns

And just to correct a minor issue -- you very likely have a VOLTMETER -- not an AMP GAUGE.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: First run of the season and a couple concerns

Nothing particularly wrong with that speed, but are you just using the stock piot-style speedometer? They can be innaccurate, so I would think you might try using a GPS if you have access to one. Is the 351 carbed or FI? If it is carbed, and only 2-barrel, you can get the 260HP-version simply by swapping to a 40bbl carb and intake.

I would say low to mid-40's would be understandable with the 2bbl-version 351W or 350 on a 22ft boat. My MT only does high 48-50 with that configuration on a 20ft'er.

 

[seaboo]

Re: First run of the season and a couple concerns

Ok. I think I've got it figured out. I cleaned the battery connections, cleaned/tightened the alt. connections (1 wasn't exactly what I would call tight) and cleaned the trim pump connections. It doesn't bog anymore (on the muffs anyway--plan on doing a lake test tomorrow).

I also found the original brochure (web-site past info) and it list the top speed of my engine set-up (4 barrel) around 45-47. I figure I'm right on the mark (there was a little chop/wind when I was out and I'm not real familiar with this boat so I'm still getting the feel of the trim).

 

[QC]

Re: First run of the season and a couple concerns

And they never do the test speeds after the first day out. Boats gain weight. People, fuel, stuff etc. You're good.