Brand new mid hp motor?

[RidgeRunner]

New steering installed and it took out all but the smallest of play in the steering. Lake test revealed that the issue where the boat was misbehaving has been resolved. Speed run of 46 mph with two people on board. Ferman, I didn't get to lake test your props yet. With the additional person I could tell the holeshot was a little slower and the lowest speed to stay on plane went up to 13.5 mph.
A quick snapshot at cruise of
30MPH 4GPH Fuel burn for 7.5MPG -- That is what the Mercury tests showed for 3500 rpm on their test mules too..
What a PITA taking out the old steering. As I already suspected there were no place to tie wires once the old cable and head were out of the way. I cut and fit a 6"tall x 30"wide piece of 1/2" Starboard with 15 ty-wrap holders and a place to mount the junction box. From there I cut all the old wire ties and straighted out each and every harness for the third or fourth time now. (LAST I HOPE) I am so happy I took the extra time to do so as it is the best rendition yet... Now it is FN DONE I said it. Labor of love the first time. Second time, not so much.

[bradford]

Glad to hear she's coming together for you Ridge.

[RidgeRunner]

I see that there were a few people checking out this thread. I get wordy fast as you know. ??IDK what to say??
Thanks Bradford. Yes it is coming together. Save for the all important prop selection. I know you can appreciate the feeling of accomplishment you have at the end of a project. When the late and over-budget object of my wonderlust has had the last screw tightened and hatch battened, THEN WHAT?

I TELL YOU WHAT>> SEE YOU IN THE FISHIN SECTION...

[bradford]

I've found that they are never really completely finished. Always something new to add. I still need to install nav lights, finally just installed a new gps/sounder, it's almost time to redo the varnish on some of the teak, and I'm thinking about swapping my bow rail for the two piece one off the Chris Craft to work better with the bow pulpit. Want to put my deck drains through the back of the liner too instead of through the deck, and also add some hatches to give better access to the drains and scuppers.

Nothing but time and money, break out another thousand. The important thing is she's usable!

[phatdaddy]

i've been checking it out also ridge. i got the v back from the dealer with the new 4s 150 on monday. got the new dash in, electronics mounted, new fuel tank, all new hoses, fill, vent, & fuel. now the break in & prop dial in. hope i'm as happy as you are.

[RidgeRunner]

I am going to predict, you will be happy. Mezmerized by the quiet power, momma is going to love it and fuel mileage is a fixin to go through the roof.
I just have one more repair to make on the V (Bradford is so right, it never ends), meanwhile the honey-do list is shrinking at the same time. Win-Win Add another win putting some slime on the deck.

[phatdaddy]

put 2,5 hours on it this morning. definatly not in kansas anymore. very strong motor, seems to have a lot or torque at any rpm. i was loaded light, myself, safety gear, and 30 gallons of gas. topped out ay 5400 rpm 41mph. would have gone faster, just can't leave it at wot too long yet. put 35 miles on it, burned 8 gallon of gas.

[bradford]

Sweet, good to hear Phat!

[RidgeRunner]

I made it to the lake to try Ferman's 21P High Five prop. It is on plane in an instant and will stay on plane down to 11 MPH with two people on board so it wins in that department. It isn't as efficient as the 21P Thunderbolt 3 blade but it is real close. Top end was 44 and MPG of 7.1 at 3500 RPM running 26 MPH. The biggest difference is noticed in the mid-range punch. It was very smooth. I never ran the jack plate up, it was just an easy cruise for the most part.

[spareparts]

what was hte max rpm at WOT? 23P High Five perhaps?