Once bought a boat that looked like a runner. It wouldn't even plane. I noticed that it dripped pretty much nonstop from the bilge plug. After I pulled the floor, I discovered the waterlogged flotation foam. After removing a thousand pounds of water, it ran better.

I'd also do a compression test and toss a dial indicator on the rockers. No wind or worn lobes are common culprits. I'd also look at other simple things- like is the throttle opening all the way and do the vacuum secondaries work. Check prop pitch too. If someone just tossed one on to sell it because the right one was trashed, that could be a problem.

Thanks for the pics of the other Century Ultras, I have only seen 2 others ever I can't find much info. or photos of them. I really like mine just have a few issues to work out. Its got a 23P prop on it. It is in mint condition with only 280 original hours and the engine seems to run very strong. I suspect the throttle may not be opening all the way that is the first thing I am going to check. I wish I could post a picture but can't seem to find the attachment button when replying.

a 23p what???......my boat came with some 3 blade stainless 21s.......turned out to be Merc "general duty" 21 stainless props......changed to 3 blade Merc 21 Mirages, again stainless......Wow! totally different boat...planed much faster, less wetted surface and more top speed......freed the boat right up......all 23s are not the same.....post a number offf the prop.

hit "go advanced" and you'll see a "manage attachments" button........

There is no number, it is a 3 blade and is stamped 23P and its stainless.

My buddys Ultra 1 with the 365 hp did around 72 but it was not fun to ride in at that speed.

Not fun on calm water, rough or both? 72 seems really fast I assume that was speedo speed?

Speedo, in 1 foot chop, it's very tail heavy with the big block and she was chine walking. My buddys with the 270 hp small block was better balanced. The current owner has it for sale on craigslist in Grand Rapids Michigan almost everyday.

get ahold of a 23 Mirage, buy a used one or borrow......the Mirage is the benchmark standard high performance prop for boats of (our) age/era.......probably 90% of OSO members have had a Mirage at one time or another.......tell us how the boat works with a Mirage and we'll be better able to tell you where to go with it.......doug

Round ear prop or is one edge straight and blunt?

round ear not clever style