1988 223 SS planing issues
08-27-2019, 07:09 AM
#1
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1988 223 SS planing issues
Hi
We’re looking to purchase a1988 223 SS. This would be our first Formula....better late than never! When we took the test ride the boat took a considerable length of time to plane off with only four people on board! The boat has a 7.4 330 hp with a Bravo outdrive turning a 21 Mirage three blade. The boat does have trim tabs but I’m assuming they weren’t all the way down although the gauge read down. I couldn’t see the tab positions because of being under the platform. Any Formula owners out there with any info? I believe the boat should perform much better than we saw. Also the owner claims the boat weighs about 6500 lbs..The 88 brochure shows the boat as about 3100 lbs
We’re looking to purchase a1988 223 SS. This would be our first Formula....better late than never! When we took the test ride the boat took a considerable length of time to plane off with only four people on board! The boat has a 7.4 330 hp with a Bravo outdrive turning a 21 Mirage three blade. The boat does have trim tabs but I’m assuming they weren’t all the way down although the gauge read down. I couldn’t see the tab positions because of being under the platform. Any Formula owners out there with any info? I believe the boat should perform much better than we saw. Also the owner claims the boat weighs about 6500 lbs..The 88 brochure shows the boat as about 3100 lbs
08-27-2019, 12:58 PM
#3
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1988 223 planing issues
Thanks very much for the quick reply. Unfortunately, we didn’t get the top speed. Do you think the problem with the planing could be with the trim tabs not being all the way down. The motor sounded OK...the engine has about 750 hrs. according to the hour meter..any other info or comments would be appreciated
Thanks,
Tony S
Thanks,
Tony S
08-28-2019, 06:29 AM
#4
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Long planning compared to what? It is a deep v hull with a big block all the way in the back, not really a hole shot machine, and 4 adults can be a fairly heavy load for that boat. 6500 is a real world weight for the boat on a trailer. I used to have a 223 ss, great boat.
08-28-2019, 06:59 AM
#5
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Many thanks for your quick reply....as for the planing time, it took at least 45 seconds to a minute to plane. I know it’s a fairly heavy boat for its size, maybe the motor is a little tired. Any comments on trim tabs not working properly.
Thanks
Tony S
Thanks
Tony S
08-29-2019, 06:10 AM
#6
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I think that the time to plane sounds reasonable considering the load. Fuel level can make a big difference as well, It think a 90 gallon tank? The trim indicator on that boat would be for the drive, most do not have an indicator for the tabs. Verify proper operation by testing while on the trailer. Tabs can help your time to plane, but too much can also hurt it. I would suggest a lower pitch prop if you want a better hole shot.
08-29-2019, 06:53 AM
#7
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1988 223 planing issues
Thanks again for the info. The owner tol me the 223has a 14x21 Mirarge
I thought it had tab indicators. Would I be correct that if the tabs were not down below the bottom of the hill the boat would take longer to plane off? The boat is in excellent condition transom was replaced with composite material in 201also lower unit rebuilt same year
Thanks again
I thought it had tab indicators. Would I be correct that if the tabs were not down below the bottom of the hill the boat would take longer to plane off? The boat is in excellent condition transom was replaced with composite material in 201also lower unit rebuilt same year
Thanks again
08-30-2019, 05:06 AM
#9
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Thanks for the info on the compression & timing. The current owner doesn’t use the trim tabs when taking off. Any comments on trim tabs...I know they help during planing. Any comments would be appreciated.
Thanks everyone,
Tony S
Thanks everyone,
Tony S
08-30-2019, 08:16 AM
#10
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I dont use them when planing. But I also dont shove it to the dash and try to launch it. The factory tabs on these boats are rather slow. If you have a full load of folks I would put them all the way down when idling out of the no wake zone make sure the drive is fully down as well and then ease into the throttle till it the bow breaks over. Bring the tabs up depends on the water. I personally dont use tabs unless I'm in some serious side winds or the water is rough.
