TexomaPowerboater

I've heard the same on break in. Should be a little more fuel efficient once its broken in.

Austin

Going to order a Merc System Monitor gage soon to really dail in the fuel burn. But I also look at it like this... if it only got 1 MPG, would I still keep it- definately!! As you all know half the fun is tweeking things out.

Von Bongo

We talked about using that set up in my 2001 build. What did you get for a top speed?

Austin

Just opened her up today...wanted to wait until the after break-in oil change. saw 62 MPH at 4200 RPM's turning four blade bravo 22's . Merc calls for WOT to be between 4800-5200 on these 377's . So that means I need to go down three inches in prop pitch??? Fuel was at 3/4 of a 140 gal tank.

JO - PANTERABOATS

Hi Austin,

The 2004 Pantera 28' that was powered by twin Mercruiser 6.2 MPI 320 HP like yours would turn Bravo 1 24' pitch at 4500 RPM and would show 66-67 MPH. Then we installed Rev 4 Merc. props that were 21 pitch and turn those at 4800 - 4900 RPM and showed between 68-70 MPH depending on fuel and passenger loads.

I will run the boat with you soon and see where we are at. You are definetely down right now on top end.The small blocks are sensetive to weight so alot of fuel on board could drop 3-4 mph on top.Try and make a WOT run light on fuel and see how much difference you have on speed and RPM.

Speak to you soon !

Regards,

JO

Austin

Thanks Jo. I had about 3/4 of a tank of fuel, plus I'm pretty sure it's a 140 gal tank. The gage read 1/4 and it took 118 gals. Great boat... I've been all through it and the rigging is perfect. Everyone who has seen it has also conmented on how "clean" everything is. See you soon!

P.S. what's your arrival time??

MIAMIBOYZ

Austin great story,

Whenever anybody takes a ride with Jo out in the ocean they are usually sold. As a racer myself, I can say that he is the best of the best when it comes to pure handling and throttling. Very few can put a 28 Pantera in big water with ease. You have a great boat there with a Company to back it up.

Albert

JO - PANTERABOATS

Thanks Albert !


Austin, I will email you this week arrival time and date.Going to make the call this afternoon.Will run it together soon.

JO

littledcsrodshop

iTrader: (1)

I agree that your boat has a few more mph in it... My 28 twin small block boat I had would gps right at 63 with less power.
(280-290 hp a piece) turning stock 21 mirage plus's 5,000 spinning them out.. I never played around with props , or their rotation but I have no doubt that the boat would have picked up a couple mph turning 23's b/c the motors were about to piss out & would hit a wall at 5k I really think it would have still turned a pair of 23's 4,800 orso... My 28 was older & I would think a bit heavier than yours (not sure how much heavier but I am confident that Jo & Pepe would have a good idea) Not sure what drives you are running but I would assume regular bravo's , which ifso should yeild a bit more speed than my setup due to the fact that my XR's were robbing a bit more power than regular bravos would. Not sure how much performance boat experiance you have so Please don't be offended or think I am saying something I am not , but you may be able to pick up several mph by getting a bit more seat time & experiance... I am sure Jo will take care of showing you how the boat runs best... Awesome boat !! Enjoy it & be safe !!! Scott

Stormrider

Jo, you may want to pack a few props for the flight.