So let us know, how is she running already? Heard you had a few minor glitches. I would think by now it's pretty well set up. Let us know. Outlaw

What are you going to run for props?

What are the advantage of the "5 blade", besides getting on plane easier? I've read on a couple of other threads they seem to be having trouble with them or whatever. What were the "30's" doing, or not doing?
Not getting the rpm's at the top? Just curious....Outlaw

Troutly, here's a thought from out in left field. If they lowered the drives, and you're not getting the rpms up on the top end, have you thought about trying a lab set of Hydromotives? They are designed to lift the stern, that might overcome the additional drag the one half inch lower driver is adding. I realize our two boats are worlds apart, but it made a hell of a difference in mine. I've got a 311-SR1. I gained 5 mph at 3200 and 3 mph at the top, just by getting the a$$ of my boat out of the water a little more. Just a thought. Might be worth a phone call to the guys at Hydromotive. They were the most patient and helpful people I've come across in trying to deal with my boat issues. They'll be straight with you, if they think they can't add anything positive to the mix, they'll tell you so, not just try to sell you a set of wheels. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress. I gotta admit I'm disappointed that Formula didn't do their research better. Seems like they dropped the ball big time. For what you paid for that boat, you sure as hell shouldn't be having to do their job in R&D for them. You should bill them back for a "consulting fee". Outlaw

Formula tries to insure that every Fastech is propped right, but being landlocked in Indiana they cannot phsically test every boat ,so they try to use engineering experience, input from Merc and input from dealers.Prop selection is more of an art than a science.Since I had run Troutly's 382 personally and changed props before shipping it, I thought I had it right,but I apparently missed it a little,therefore I shipped a set of 29's from my personal demo. I think they will work fine,but if not then we can do something else.Every boat is different,every owner has different paramerters on performance. The thing to keep in mind is when you by a Formula,they will not leave you out there until you are completely satisisfied. That is why Troutly has bought several Formulas,and I hope he will buy several more.

I personally think Formula makes a hell of a boat. Like I said, mine is an 89' 311-SR1, and it STILL DOES NOT RATTLE. In a "V" hull, I think it's at the absolute top of the list, and it's great to hear that your dealer is in your corner as hard as he is. Try that with your local "auto" dealership. I know you'll get it right.....Outlaw

Troutly/Magicfloat,

I'm sure this was probably covered already, but I figured I'd toss this out. I've been watching this thread a bit and I keep wondering why nobody is addressing this spacer issue? A few have asked, but no answers. Who installed this? Was this done at the factory?

If so, the only thing I can think is, perhaps Formula installs all 382's with the same X and adds the spacers for recreational versions due to complaints over the need to feather to plane? Are the F-2/Poker Editions perhaps shipped without? Or was this done after the fact to solve this?

I guess my question is, does the boat currently have a cavitation problem with the 30"s? If not at all, I would consider removing the spacers and testing it. The spacers very likely may be the issue here, but the key is, without them is the additional cavition, if any, livable/acceptable?

I just hate to see you testing a bunch of props before you determine if that spacer is necessary/required. Ideally, if you can operate acceptably/borderline without them, then perhaps the 5 blades might be the hot ticket to give you that little extra bite?

Again, just tossing ideas. Good luck.

Let us know how it goes...

Hi!

I am a novise regarding Formulas, but have rigged offshore race boats for some years. Although this has been outboards.

I am more or less shure the 1/2 inch spacers is the reason for your problems. Lower x dimension creates more bowlift, and your propoise at 3.500 rpms indicates that. The lower x dimension also set the stern lower, so your balance suffer at wot. Lower x dimension also creates more drag, so you loose top end due to this too.

Before buying new props, I would remove the spacers, and check again. Hopefully you will come on plane easy and add some mph on top.

Cheeeers, Toffen - Norway