Four Winns Horizon 180 LE 2005

[MercruiserMan]

Hey Guys

I have a 05 FW horizon 180 LE with the 4.3l V6 engine 190 hp.

Four Winns claims that I should be getting 48-52 MPH. What do they use to measure speed? Speedo or GPS. Also what do they have onboard for people, gas and gear?

Also if I changed my prop up or down in pitch from the stock 23 pitch, what would I achieve? I know, if I go to a 21 I will gain RPM but will I also gain speed or will I have to go to a 25 to gain speed?

thx Chad

 

[Mkos1980]

Re: Four Winns Horizon 180 LE 2005

What are you running now at what rpm? 25????? way overkill. I've seen them use GPS and radar before. usually 2 people and 1/2 tank gas and some gear. Pretty minimal. Does your boat have bottom paint? Any growth? Al prop? Stainless? What brand and model.

 

[skeat]

Re: Four Winns Horizon 180 LE 2005

I have an '89 Four Winns Horizon with a 175 hp 4.3. I have a 14x19 prop and get 45 mph at 4600 rpm with a GPS. (light load) So your info sounds right, newer lighter boat with more hp. Your rpm's will dictate your prop pitch. What is your WOT rpm's with the current prop? Slightly less pitch will give you more pulling power for wakeboards, tubes etc but less top end (you rarely hit mid 20's anyway when towing) A 25 sounds excessive, you might not get in the desired rpm range and being over propped will hurt both top end and pulling power. Only way to know is to try them out and see

 

[MercruiserMan]

Re: Four Winns Horizon 180 LE 2005

I am running at approx 4800-4900 Rpm. Its an aluminum prop. My hull has no bottom paid and is clean. There is no growth anywhere on the exterior.

I gps'd it the other day on flat calm water with no carpet, no gear and a full tank o gas and I got 47.2mph. SO.....I think I am not far off spec.

What else would have caused me to loose top end or why am I on the low end, actually under, the manufacturers speed. Are they blowing it out of proportion?

 

[Mkos1980]

Re: Four Winns Horizon 180 LE 2005

Whats the RPM Range on that motor? Sounds good to me at the moment. Whats the part number on the prop? You could keep the same pitch but go with a stainless unit. Maybe a Laser II or something.