Need some tips for my 225LTD
 

Hey everyone, Im new to this site and also a new boat owner. I recently purchased a beautiful 225 ltd. It only has a 305 in it, so I was wondering if anyone had some suggestions on what would make this boat a little more fun. I know its not the greatest thing on the water but Im still in college and just starting out with a new hobby. Any help would be appreciated!! Thanks Ryan

I had a 245 Limited, as you can tell from the user name!

I have a 350 in mine with Edelbrock heads, roller cam, and Edelbrock intake, 650 Holley.
It ran 53 with that, it was a big boat for a single SB, I would say do a intake, carb and thru-hull exhaust, it may P/U a couple hp, maybe go with a 350 later when money provides.

WE NEED PICS!! Gotta have pics, also where do you boat?

You can search my user name and see what all I did, most of it is here somewhere..

Congrats on the new boat.
An inexpensive way to play with your speed is to test different props. I had a 210 and a 230 Stingers and I played around with different pitches.

I found with a 19 pitch the boat will climb out of the water easily, so if your skiing or tubing this is a good combo. However your top end will not be its max!

A 21 pitch will be lazy getting out of the water but your top end will increase about 3-8 mph. I had 350 mercs in both my older boats and that 305 of your should push similar HP (maybe a bit less?)

I agree with the other poster that a cam change, thru-hulls and a good carb and intake really help, but of course that is bigger bucks.
By the way stainless is far superior to aluminum props. the aluminums seem to flex a bit, while stainless will give you better performance. See if you can borrow someones prop for a short test before jumping into a big purchase.

Good luck and have fun this summer.

I have a 21 labbed to a 20, worked good on my boat, I have a lefty too, they were on twins before, I may have them for sale soon.

Thanks for all for the advice.... I have a SS prop on it but im not sure what the pitch is. I planned on dumping a 350 sometime if i dont just upgrade all together... The boat is still in storage due to this crappy snow, but here are some pics i got before the weather went to hell.

Congrats on the purchase. Thats a nice lookin ride, and your gona love it. Just get use to handling it, in the water and out. Wait for the go fast stuff on something you will get more bang or speed for the buck out of. Welcome to the Chris Craft family.

You still have yours Rob? I love my 32 Baja but I miss the mint cosmetics of my Limited, I have to repaint the Baja next year.. lots of work.

Yep, finally had to go through the cobra, works slick now though. After 3 months of parts huntin and waitin on the shop it was at. Now I got a problem with somethin in the carb (new carb) or electrical. Its spittin back thru the carb. Changed wires , coil, complete tune up. ?????????? still doin it.

Check timing, getting ignition at the wrong time will make that happen, what carb is it?

The original holley that was on it was so full of chit and had to be dipped so many times to clean it ,it was trash. So we put a weber on it with the same size jets. The holley that was on it was no longer avaliable. Dont think they moved or adjusted the timing but I juess I need to check it. Just wish I could find a desent OMC shop. I know that shouldnt make a difference but around here it does.

Omc shop only effects the drive I would think, the engine is still the same as any other, OMC.. Merc.. Volvo.. just different colors.

I have had no luck with Weber or Edelbrock carbs, I would get a new Holley or go with a QJ from Merc.

I like the Holley because I can tune it myself, use a double pumper, not the crappy single feed, I am almoist betting the issue is with the carb or timing.

A little warm weather and few suds and I'll be checkin out the problem. I am dam ready for summer. Got to get it runnin right and sold. Not really to worried about it, the outdrive was my main concern and it's good now.

So houz bout it Browny, any more thoughts on the 225?

Nah, all very good advice. Im going to wait for some warmer weather and see what I can do. Are you guys from down south?

North here... COLD!! ICE!!

Yep. Still cold. Been goin to the lake to keep an eye on the docks and cabin.

How far north? Im from up in Buffalo so we re just waiting for this new snow to melt AGAIN...

I am in Cleveland, Ohio

Hey Full Force, it was all ignition issues. The shop that had it put different plugs in, none was even anywhere near the same gap. I dont even think the wires were snapped all the way on. Points was way out and timin was off, so much for a master OMC mech. I had an old timer that lives down the street bring his lap top anylizer up to see what was up. After the correct plugs was put back in and a few adjustments , the Weber worked good too, the old tub is runnin fine.

Cool!

I have been down all summer, did one poker run, hurt port engine, doing work now...

I miss my Limited..sometimes..

Double the fun , double the pain. $$$$$$$$$

Yea but I got beat upon Erie with the 245 compared to the baja! 10 ft makes a big difference!!

No argument there.