17p seems extremly under propped but the rpms are right. I dunno,,,,,,,,,,,,, seems that rig ought to spin a 23-24 incher easily.

Ive always thought the same....But it is what it is...Can't xplain it...

Have you ever put a straight edge on the bottom?

For that much weight and hp your speed doesn't seem to bad. If you had a 375 BBC you might get a little more due to the higher torque of a BB. I had a 21' Liberator (similar hull) with a 460 Ford (340hp) , that was about 3500 lbs. and I got an honest 59 and ocassionally 62 under the best conditions. A friend had a 400 sbc (over 400hp) in an almost 21' bowrider and could get an honest 68 but it was lighter and had a flatter bottom. He had a 23 Mirage plus spinniing at 5000

On my 242 the best I have seen is 55 gps which is much heavier than your 223, I would think 60 would be just about right maybe a nice hydromotive prop heard these work well an Formulas. You have spent a lot of money on a very nice engine compartment don`t let a prop stand in your way,try some diffrent props.

Good luck, let us know how you make out.

Its got a little hook in it on the last bit of the bottom. I think I have always read that this is built in on the early formulas.....Though I wish I could find someone who has removed it.

I used to get around 65 mph with my 242 and twin 350's.

I had an 85' 242 LS with twin small blocks and got around 65 mph also. That was running 24 inch pitch "cleavers".

If that "hook" is the same "hook" that was in my 223 and my 242, it's only formed into the upper most portion of the vee directly in front of the tabs. It's factory designed and I don't think you can remove it without going right on through the gel.

Formula put those small sections of hook in the hulls because they were known for getting real real loose without 'em. Every 223 and 242 has them.

Can you be more descriptive of exactly where it is? I belive you are talking about the same area I am.

BH