speed has decreased over the years

[lugster84]

89 19' regal, 4.3 v6 2bbl, docked in fresh water may to sept, acid washed and stored indoors oct to apr, stainless steel prop (not sure of pitch), when first purchased 7 years ago would easily go 42 mph, now at wot, my wife cant keep 28 mph when I slalom, only goes about 32 with just a couple of people in it, any ideas?

 

[EddiePetty]

Re: speed has decreased over the years

Just like me!! As I get old, tired and worn: I've slowed down.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: speed has decreased over the years

Just like me!! As I get old, tired and worn: I've slowed down.

You beat me to it Eddie!


Have you had the boat weighed to see if your foam is water logged?

When was the last time your engine had a good going through and compression check?

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: speed has decreased over the years

Just how fat have you gotten?

 

[zagger]

Re: speed has decreased over the years

Though crowd here

 

[rallyart]

Re: speed has decreased over the years

Have you had tune ups done regularly or in the last couple of years?

 

[LiFeStArTs@FoRtY]

Re: speed has decreased over the years

Have you barrier coated the bottom? If not, you should. Fiberglass DOES absorb water over time. Keepining it in all season with out some barrier coat can cause all sorts of problems.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: speed has decreased over the years

That loss of speed is not normal. In addition to what the others have suggested (except the fat part), you might take a compression test and make sure she is running on all 6 cylinders. I ran the crap out of my '88 4.3LX, ran it without oil three times, and it still would hit 40 MPH in my 19' SeaRay.

 

[lugster84]

Re: speed has decreased over the years

Lost weight so not an issue! All good suggestions, the bottom is still in very good shape after the acid wash. I have a sunbrella cover that I water proof each year and it sits inside during the off season so I don't think water can get to the foam from the top, would the foam get saturated through the bottom? Tune up not recently but I think I will pull it out and take it to a local guy that is a racer and works on mercruiser only. Note to all: I didn't get the boat lift right away (nor do I still have it) but I have spent as much acid washing it the last 6 years as a good used lift would have run, thanks for any info!

 

[lugster84]

Re: speed has decreased over the years

Following up: Took the boat to my mechanic and he performed thorough tune up, runs 41 -42 wot again, cleaned the bottom well and also picked up a used boat lift!! Cant wait for next season now I love my Regal once again. thanks!!!

 

[bonz_d]

Re: speed has decreased over the years

Just in time to put'r away hey! Winter blues just starting to set in here!

 

[halfmoa]

Re: speed has decreased over the years

Following up: Took the boat to my mechanic and he performed thorough tune up, runs 41 -42 wot again, cleaned the bottom well and also picked up a used boat lift!! Cant wait for next season now I love my Regal once again. thanks!!!

That's a heck of a tuneup. Wish I could get that result out of anything I own...