Need more power

[Randall J]

Have a 99' 2855 Bayliner Cierra, 5.7L Thunderbolt 5 w/ Alpha 1 Gen ?(seems underpowered). Running a 16X11 prop. Top speed on a good day is 32 mph. WOT runs up to 4800 rpms (again on a good day) do have bottom paint. Would like to be able to produce more speed without too much loss on getting up to plane. Any suggestions?<br /><br />Thank you

 

[tommays]

Re: Need more power

based on the info supplyed your doing about all a 5.7 is going to do on a boat that big<br /><br />the next step is a big step BIG BLOCK with a BIG DRIVE<br /><br />tommays

 

[Randall J]

Re: Need more power

That was a quick reply. Thanks. But I guess that was an easy question.<br /><br />Is it worth the effort / money to install a 7.3 with a Bravo 3 drive?<br /><br />Thanks again.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Need more power

Is it worth the effort / money to install a 7.3 with a Bravo 3 drive?

Is That Boat worth about Twice what you Paid for It,..?????

 

[4.3sunbird]

Re: Need more power

could just get someone to build you a more powerful engine<br /><br />could even build a 383 cube power plant <br /><br />sb's are capable of way more power than they come with and still be just fine in the boat<br /><br />I just finished the 4.3 build for my lil boat <br /><br />its now built like it should have been stock <br /><br />I build high performance engines for a living <br /><br />I got a 1300+ hp v6 out in the shop that would get it up the creek talk about flipping some peoples minds 116 octane would hurt the wallet on fill up

 

[Randall J]

Re: Need more power

Still would need to change the outdrive. From what I understand it is only good for 300 hp. Which only allows me 40 hp increase (from what i'm told). <br /><br />A re-built power plant I could live with.

 

[rbezdon]

Re: Need more power

Looks like you have several options Randy, you just have to have a pretty big budget. Once you decide on the budget it will narrow the options and make a choice more obvious.

 

[QC]

Re: Need more power

Randall,<br /><br />I am guessing your engine is about 250 at the propshaft. The 350 MAG at 300 bhp is still sold with Alpha drives. 50 bhp WILL make a difference . . . Still expensive, but it is an option.<br /><br />Do you have any type of trim tabs? You could use them to help your hole shot and try propping up an inch or two. May help top speed with the existing setup.

 

[Randall J]

Re: Need more power

Do have trim tabs, and thought about the 350 mag.<br /><br />BUUTT, the boat show was in Daytona this weekend and I found a new '06 270 Rinker with the 8.1, so I should have more power now .<br /><br />Thanks for all the help on this and other subjects.

 

[QC]

Re: Need more power

You should have told us that budget was not a factor . . . <br /><br />My new answer to all drive, engine, propeller, bhp or handling questions: buy a new boat This is gonna be much easier!!!

 

[Randall J]

Re: Need more power

Quietcat<br /><br />You're a trip. But that answer will solve a lot of problems. Budget wasn't a factor but a new boat really looks good. A good resale helps too.<br /><br />Quote "The two best days in a boaters life, the day he buys his first boat, and the day he buys his next boat".<br /><br />Later.<br />Randy

 

[Don S]

Re: Need more power

Forget the 7.3, the boat ain't big enough. Way too much weight in the back, and then there is the size of the 7.3.<br />Forget the Bravo 3 drives. That dual prop setup does't help anything till you hit 50 mph. Ask and Mercruiser tech reps.<br />Without changing from gas to diesel and allowing for the room in a 2855, go for the Volvo 8.1 with a DP drive. I won't even act like the same boat...... trust me.<br /><br /> Volvo 8.1 DP <br /><br />Your boat would also be better with one of these compared to the Merc setup.<br /><br /> 5.7 DP <br /><br />The big thing is getting the engine hooked up to the water. And the Volvo DP is better at it than any of the Mercs. <br /><br />IN case anyone asks, that just my stupid opinion.

 

[QC]

Re: Need more power

Originally posted by Randall J:<br /> Quietcat<br /><br />You're a trip.

If you only knew . . .