1997 Baja Outlaw top speed issue
11-26-2025 | 06:47 PM
#11
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From: Holland MI
You are at 25% prop slip at those numbers...ought to be in the 10% range for that boat...SOMETHING is not right. Have you confirmed it is a 1.50:1 ratio on the outdrive? There's a little decal on the top, port side.
For comparison, I am running 52 - 54 mph with the same engine using a Mercury Marine Revolution 4 prop, 21" pitch. I love this prop because of the awesome hole shot it gives if I have people wanting to ski or wakeboard, and holds the turns incredibly well...far better than the Mirage Plus I have tried. So, yeah...bigger boat, different hull and all but still...you have something seriously not right. Maybe a 1.32:1 ratio? Or the prop is just junk OR the hub is spun...which I assumed you checked first but THAT might be the whole problem.
For comparison, I am running 52 - 54 mph with the same engine using a Mercury Marine Revolution 4 prop, 21" pitch. I love this prop because of the awesome hole shot it gives if I have people wanting to ski or wakeboard, and holds the turns incredibly well...far better than the Mirage Plus I have tried. So, yeah...bigger boat, different hull and all but still...you have something seriously not right. Maybe a 1.32:1 ratio? Or the prop is just junk OR the hub is spun...which I assumed you checked first but THAT might be the whole problem.
11-29-2025 | 08:08 PM
#13
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I weighed the boat today. With the trailer, boat , 1/2 tank of fuel and the 454 motor it shows 6000lbs on the scale
11-29-2025 | 08:10 PM
#14
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I can't check for a spun prop until next season. But I was thinking the RPM would be higher if that was the issue but a simple test that we will try. All the research that I have done is pointing to a fuel delivery issue. I pulled the filter today and it looks good and the fuel has no water.
11-30-2025 | 03:40 AM
#15
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From: Holland MI
I can't check for a spun prop until next season. But I was thinking the RPM would be higher if that was the issue but a simple test that we will try. All the research that I have done is pointing to a fuel delivery issue. I pulled the filter today and it looks good and the fuel has no water.
6000 pounds seems heavy for a 24' boat but i have no idea what the outlaws are supposed to weigh.
11-30-2025 | 07:43 AM
#16
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It backfired a few times underway in the first few minutes then rode smooth. I'll look into the gauge for next season. As far as the weight, I went to a scrap yard to weigh it. That 6000 includes the trailer, boat, motor and 1/2 tank of fuel. From my research we are in the range of what it's supposed to be. I was looking for gross overweight to rule out a water logged hull
11-30-2025 | 08:22 AM
#17
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From: Wichita, Kansas
Just for reference, my boat and trailer weigh 6,980 with the boat full of fuel (90 gallons).
I know you are probably done for the season and so it's just all that much more frustrating...but I would definitely try a 21" Mirage Plus and see if you can get the recommended WOT rpms.
I know you are probably done for the season and so it's just all that much more frustrating...but I would definitely try a 21" Mirage Plus and see if you can get the recommended WOT rpms.
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11-30-2025 | 06:47 PM
#18
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Just for reference, my boat and trailer weigh 6,980 with the boat full of fuel (90 gallons).
I know you are probably done for the season and so it's just all that much more frustrating...but I would definitely try a 21" Mirage Plus and see if you can get the recommended WOT rpms.
I know you are probably done for the season and so it's just all that much more frustrating...but I would definitely try a 21" Mirage Plus and see if you can get the recommended WOT rpms.
