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SMLAKER
02-11-2008, 12:13 PM
I had been in the market for a 2000-2001 22ZX w/350 MAG but couldn't find one. I wanted a performance boat (not a screamer) but the wife wanted a bow rider so I found a 2000 Wellcraft Excalibur 240 Sport w/350 MAG and Bravo-1 Performance hull and a nice powerplant with a price I couldn't resist.

My question is: currently it has a 19P SS Mercury Avenger (or somthing) prop with a top speed about 55. Just wondering what some of the experienced motorheads would recommend for a faster setup but not too much for the 350 MAG or Bravo-1 to handle. I'm doing the usual INET research but, why re-invent the wheel?

Thanks

zimm17
02-12-2008, 06:36 AM
Congrats on the new boat.

Looks like you need to find a wellcraft forum :)

Don't fall into the trap of buying cheaper boat with mild performance and try to "make it faster". It's just not worth it.

Can't make a prop recommendation without knowing what rpm you are running at top speed.

SMLAKER
02-13-2008, 08:01 AM
Congrats on the new boat.

Looks like you need to find a wellcraft forum :)

Don't fall into the trap of buying cheaper boat with mild performance and try to "make it faster". It's just not worth it.

Can't make a prop recommendation without knowing what rpm you are running at top speed.

I did find a Wellcraft forum and will try to spend more time there :wink:.

I wouldn't call this a "cheaper boat". It didn't cost as much as the 22ZX I was searching for but has some nice performance characteristics. The hull design was based on the Scarab and of course the 350 MAG is no slug.

I don't plan to build out the engine, just want to enjoy the best of both worlds (speed and functionality) which I couldn't get with a closed bow ZX. I'll do some more research but will probably end up trying a 21P.

SMLAKER
02-19-2008, 02:30 PM
OK, I installed a Mirage 14.75" 21P and am tacking 4300 @ 58-60 MPH WOT. No pinging or drag, trimmed just right. Specs indicate this package should allow between 4800-5000 @ 65mph. Not sure why I can't get the additional 500-700 RPM. Everyone else agrees a 19P would over-rev at WOT and not be as fast. Next I need to look at the overall weight of the boat as a factor. Then try some fresh 89 octane (vs. 87) to try and get those last horses out of their stall. Any other ideas?

mjw930
02-19-2008, 02:58 PM
OK, I installed a Mirage 14.75" 21P and am tacking 4300 @ 58-60 MPH WOT. No pinging or drag, trimmed just right. Specs indicate this package should allow between 4800-5000 @ 65mph. Not sure why I can't get the additional 500-700 RPM. Everyone else agrees a 19P would over-rev at WOT and not be as fast. Next I need to look at the overall weight of the boat as a factor. Then try some fresh 89 octane (vs. 87) to try and get those last horses out of their stall. Any other ideas?

You have one of 2 things going on, either the speedometer is off by 8 MPH (possible if it's a Teleflex or Faria) or you have a 1.36:1 ratio drive. I suspect the latter.

IF you had a 1.5:1 drive then your absolute best speed @ 4300 RPM from a 21" prop is 57MPH and that assumes 0% slip, something you can NEVER achieve. Now, change to a 1.36:1 drive and your 90% efficient (10% slip) speed is 56.59 MPH, that's a whole lot more realistic.

The previous owner had it prop'd right with a 19", they just used the wrong 19" prop. I suggest going to a 19" Turbo or Mirage prop. That will get the motor up to the RPM's is should be running WOT and with the proper trim you should see 60MPH.

Here's the prop calculations to ponder. I wrote a prop calculator in Excel but I can't attach the file here. There are plenty of prop calculators on the web, just do a search for "prop calculator"

Ratio RPM Pitch Efficiency Speed
1.5 4300 21 10% 51.31
1.36 4300 21 10% 56.59
1.36 5000 19 10% 59.53

SMLAKER
02-20-2008, 10:15 AM
Fantastic help here! You guys are great. I just spoke to the shop and they have a 19 Mirage Plus they'll swap me for the 21. (same price!) The tech had bad things to say about the Turbo. Said he had a customer throw a blade off a Turbo that cut through the lower unit.

So it looks like I'm going to swap the Mirage Plus 14-3/4 21P with a Mirage Plus 15-1/4 19P.

chappy
02-20-2008, 11:21 AM
The tech had bad things to say about the Turbo. Said he had a customer throw a blade off a Turbo that cut through the lower unit.
Aaaaaawwwww man, I don't have the $$ for a new leg. I hope my Turbo holds together.:bawling:
6th sense impression,
I see Grizzlies and Poodles...........................everywhere:eek:
:lookaroun:

BUIZILLA
02-20-2008, 11:33 AM
The tech had bad things to say about the Turbo. Said he had a customer throw a blade off a Turbo that cut through the lower unit. I call BS

Lenny
02-20-2008, 04:03 PM
SMLaker.

This would have gotten you from A to B quite well... :D

http://www.donzi.net/forums/showthread.php?t=50695

Still for sale too

SMLAKER
02-21-2008, 09:12 AM
SMLaker.

This would have gotten you from A to B quite well... :D

http://www.donzi.net/forums/showthread.php?t=50695

Still for sale too

I did look at and consider this beautiful machine. Personally I would love the 70-80 MPH BBC w/Whipple but had to make the wife and kids happy too. After the kids are off to college and the wife looses interest in boating, I'll sell the Wellcraft and get what I WANT :-)