On delivery of my boat earlier this summer it was equipped with 34 pitch four blade labs from Merc and the boat would not even get on plane. Also, the right prop would blow out and not stay hooked up and the RPMs would just fly to the top. The left prop would stay hooked up. The dealer has tried multiple props and turned the boat over to me with 5 blade 29 pitch Hydromotives. We immediately found that even with the 5 blade the right prop would still blow out if the sticks were pushed the least little bit firmly/forward. Does this sound like what you're experiencing? .... Leaving some of the story out, we are currently running 32 pitch four blades and the blow out is much better.

Yep. My 2000 sits almost 1 1/2" lower on the port side. I put it downto the fact that both batteries, the water heater, and the refrigerator are all on that side, with only the rigging and the TV/VCR on the starboard to offset the weight. At one point, I think they were putting the holding tank for the Vacuflush system on the starboard to balance things out. (This I don't have.)

I looked at moving the batteries, but the way Formula wires a boat - no way (too complex). So, I put all my heavy stuff in the right side storage bins and the head. Still have to run about 1/2-point more tab on the por in most cases, though...

My 2001 leans about 1/2" on the port side when docked. I don't notice anything when running.

Troutly-

I have the 500EFI's and run labbed 28's, and the Stellings boxes. I tried a pair of 30's and it was a DOG out of the hole and also lost top end (about 6-7MPH). Took them right off and went back to the 28's.

I don't have any lean on my 1999. No air, no boxes.

As I've posted before, I get the same top speed with either labbed 28's and 30's, but at 5000 RPM Vs 5300.

Cruise is 5 MPH higher with the 30's, so they're what I use. I'm sure that acceleration is faster with the 28's, but that's not important to me.

No trouble with either blowing out: I've heard that Thunderbird used a more conservative X-dimension in '99 than in later years.

I've never had any porpoising.

Fuel load does make a several mile per hour difference (75 empty, 72 full up). Tabs up, Drives at 7.

I've had very good results using Throttle Up in Clearwater, FL to do the lab work. They did a better job for less money than Merc did. You ought to give Matt a call and see what he thinks. He's doing several F-2 race boats, including a Formula, I think.

I find it incredible that T'bird would let a boat out their shop that wasn't spot on. You should call them and get help . . . on their nickel.

The boat was sent to Teague Custom Marine for dial in,
when the boat arrived he sold my buddy on the 800's.

There was a 2003 382 Formula that a dealer was showing around here, it was the same setup as yours, same paint, same motors, same drives etc... The thing that caught my attention with this boat is that they used 5 blade props. I do not know how this boat ran with that setup.

I do know the dealer if you would like to talk with him. But you know those boat salesman

No problem

Name: Delta Pacific Yachts

Rocklin Showroom

Powerboats of Rocklin
4467 Granite Drive
Rocklin, CA 95677

Phone: 916-630-1300

Ask for Peter Wallace
Tell him Allen from Discovery Bay referred you

http://www.yachts2k.com

Good Luck

Troutly - You are probably going to need Hydramotive 5 blade props to correct your prop slip issues. I insure a 382 that was the test bed for the Merc 5 blades and they were the solution. Call me @ 1-800-530-3357 if you want to discuss.

Yeah you LOTO punk!!!!!

Seriously............Troutly, do you have the March HOTBOAT magazine issue. If not, I'll send it to you.

Troutly,

I have a Formula test on a 383 525 ITS, with 12380 lbs, 31 b1's it ran 75.8 at 5150. That's full gas and two people.

I think with b1 28's and pulling the spacers you should hit 75 light, about 1 or so less than a 382 without all the "accessories".

My 382 slips so bad at low speeds the Corsa sound choice is opening at 25 - 28 mph at 3000. I asked Robt to order a set of Maximus 30's three months ago. Five blades will slow us down maybe 1, and 2-3 more if they are not labbed.

Check your other post, tuning on the rpm issue.

John B