Thanks for reading. I'm new to boat ownership and diving in head first. I have a 24 ft 1966 Lonestar Cruiseliner 3. An aluminum boat with shallow V hull. The boat was previously owned by DianneB on this forum. I am trying to get this boat back on the water, as I obtained it through estate auction as Diane has gone on to Valhalla. The power train is a 225 cubic Inch 150hp Chrysler Slant 6, with a Penta AQ 270 sterndrive with 2.15:1 gears (I found out this is meant for 4cyl), and a 15x15 Left hand prop. The boat when I brought it home weighed in at 3500 pounds. From factory the Cruiseliner empty without engine weighed 1500 pounds. I figure the Old Slant 6 cast iron pig weighs about 600 pounds fully dressed. It has 20 Gal of gas, that's 140 pounds. Now the boat has some extras with a wooden cabin, and water logged foam. Im hoping to lighten up the wood a bit, and remove/replace the foam. That, I'm hoping is 700 pounds of trimming. My goal weight for the boat and motor and fuel is 2500 pounds.
Here is my problem. As you see the gearing, motor replacement, prop selection is all over the place. I am rebuilding the Slant 6 engine, and in doing so probably will have to do some mods to it. I can shift the power curve to a higher RPM, or keep it were it is. I am wondering from those who know this drive train stuff, given I have a 2.15:1 gearset, where should my rpm and power be, and what prop would best be suited? Considering taller gears around here in Canada are very, very, rare.
Here is my problem. As you see the gearing, motor replacement, prop selection is all over the place. I am rebuilding the Slant 6 engine, and in doing so probably will have to do some mods to it. I can shift the power curve to a higher RPM, or keep it were it is. I am wondering from those who know this drive train stuff, given I have a 2.15:1 gearset, where should my rpm and power be, and what prop would best be suited? Considering taller gears around here in Canada are very, very, rare.