finally launched yesterday. the day was without incident.
had everything detailed and in the same place for once.
that in itself makes for a pretty good day!

I think there is a low-end torque loss without the restrictor plates under the riser. 2-3000 RPM. Revs a little quicker from 4-5000 though it seems. makes sense.

Yesterday was windy 15-20SW, so there was a stiff wind and 1-2 chop going downriver.
496 HO's, Corsa's, full bag of gas, and plenty of gear, me.
26 Bravos (polished stock)
5000 RPM on the nose both ways.
trim 5-6
no tab
73.8 downriver
71.2 back into the wind

those Corsa's without the end cones sound.......just right.

I am really looking at the 496's .... while I have been reluctant to go to EFI but you know its the future .. with the Raylar kits 550+ hp .....

Looks good Rip

Nice job on the upgrades!

I hope to launch July 1st

I haven't tried those props yet. I was running late and realized I didn't have the right spline nuts (I only have the long Bravo hubs around now). I got a pair now. I really needed to establish beaseline with the Bravos first anyway. I'll note speed through RPM range and planing ect before I try them.
If you need them say the word, or grab them, they are in the garage on the same bench.

No problemo... I won't be needing them until after the July 16th run, and even then there's no hurry...

Nice looking package

Is That The "normal" Trim Range For This Setup? I Have A 353 W/502's And Have Been Told Not To Trim Over 3.5?

I would say it depends how the indicators are adjusted. Mine takes 6 to 6.5 to be even with the bottom of the boat. Takes 7 or better to trim it up.

that's when my boat stops picking up speed.
There is >0 delay in my indicators...sometimes that little delay some have, can mean a half a pin or more difference out in the trim range, boat to boat.
Had it 71.4 GPS yesterday in 90+ degree heat.
half fuel
two people
lotsa gear and beer
nearly full waste holding tank...
yea, I know...












too much information.


EDIT: and it's been in the water a month...the bottom is looking it...

so I one thing is apparent...

consistency

those engines make good cruising torque and are what they are for horsepower...though it appears it's available everyday.

as I get the NavMan fuel system closer in cal, it's interesting also, how consistent fuel consumption is at various speed settings

I'm getting ~1.5 NMPG at a variety of speeds from 2800- to near 4000 with appropriate trim and no tab, or just a windage correction

this is right on with the Formula performance report I got my hands on well before the buy of this boat.

that's 1.5 MPG from 35 to near 60 MPH!

this is only 10-12% more fuel at similar speeds than my 454 Mag 32 Velocity (floscan equipped ) which was a very efficient boat.

Hats off to formula for the 353 hull
and to Merc for very sound black package