23/f-300

[shine]

glad to see you got it dialed in, I was watching this thread wondering why you were not seeing a faster cruise, its much better now

[SeaSick]

Originally Posted by SteveH

I just bought the f300 and took delivery of it in March. I have watched this thread closely. I tried a number of props and settled on the 18 inch pitch prop (saltwater series). This prop is so new that the dealer did not even know it existed. Anyhow, I discovered it on the net. It helped that my neighbor has the exact same engine with a number of props to play with (he is a fishing guide). The 18 pitch has a diameter of 15 1/4" …. I get 51/52 mph at 5800 rpms. The rev limiter will kick in at about 5900 -6000 rpms. there is no reason to exceed 5900…….. I have a 2000 sea craft with t-top. I don't recall the gas consumption at wide open…. At 3700 rpms I get 31 mph and I am at 3.1 mpg. ……….This is all with about 80 gallons of gas on the boat and two people and light gear. I just thought I would share…..

Steve, I was trying to find a Yamaha 18p prop before buying the 17p. Seems like I found one but it was not SDS. Your numbers are very similar and next time out I will log my speed at 3700 rpm just out of curiosity. I think my best economy was 3.1 at 31 mph and turning 3800. Could never seem to eek more than 3.1 out of it.
We have the same taste in boats. Aside from my 1999 23' my other two are a 1973 20 sf (project) and a 1986 18' Wahoo. Wanted a 18' Whaler outrage when I bought the Wahoo years ago but couldn't find one.

[SteveH]

Sea Sick, Let me know what your numbers are at 3700. I am very interested..

We do have the same taste in boats. The 20 ft master angler I had was purchased by my dad in 1978 (brand new) and sold in 1996. I bought my whaler in 1996 and it is a great all around boat. I live on a 425 acre lake so it gets used mostly on it. My 23 is simply awesome now with this f300; I could not be happier with it so far.