Hello All,

I was wondering if someone knew some info regarding propeller size, WOT and cruising RPMs and speed for a 1996 Wellcraft Excel 26SE with a Volvo Penta 5.8FL setup. I previous had a 14.5x19p prop but I'm told it wasn't reaching the RPM spec for WOT (4200-4500?). Now I have a 17p prop. I believe it's a 15x17p. With the current prop, I achieved the below RPMs and speeds.

I understand the prop should allow achieving the rated WOT RPM, but these speeds seem pretty low. Conditions were 2 people with 1/2 tank of gas. With the 14.5x19p prop last year I recall cruising around 24kts @ 3200-3300 RPMs but I do not recall what I got for WOT. I'm also being told my tachometer is reading about 200 RPMs low, but that doesn't seem to make sense from the below data as that would imply a 3600RPM (seems high) for just a 20.5kts cruise.

GPS HEADING Notes RPMs "GPS SPEED(KTS)" "SPEED(MPH)"
215 M Against Tide 3000 12.6 14.5
219 M 3200 17.7 20.4
210 M 3400 20.5 23.6
219 M 3600 23.8 27.4
200 M WOT 4200 27.8 32.0
201 M WOT 4200 27.9 32.1
058 M With Tide 2800 12.5 14.4
059 M 3300 19.9 22.9
046 M 3400 22 25.3
063 M 3600 24 27.6

Any feedback is much appreciated!

Thanks,
John

Would anyone know if the engine compartment hatch and the starboard engine need to be removed in order to work on the starboard transmission?
Thanks

Hi, I'm Bill, new to the forum but not to boats. Current project is restoring my 1980 Nova 250 XL. Twin 350 Mercruisers with the original MC1 drives. Drives have been pulled and new gimbal bearings installed but now having alignment issues with the engines. Using the recommended alignment tool but cant get it much past an inch into the coupler. Engines were not removed so I'm confused as to why its out of alignment. Will be replacing the front motor mounts on both as they are corroded to the point there is little to no vertical adjustments. Wondering if anyone has had similar issues and discovered any secrets to the alignment process.

Hey all. Refurbing a 1996 233 eclipse. Just got rid of 1990 version same boat. Open now. Love this boat.

Hi

I have the sloping canvas and wondering if there is another canvas style that allows full shade over the entire stern but leaves the sides open? Anyone have photos?

Thanks

Bill

Hi.

I'm Bill and just picked up a very clean, low hour '96 Martinique 3400. Been on the water a lot already. Hoping to learn from this group and keep her running strong!!

Cheers!

Bill

Hello everyone!

Bought an '88 Antigua recently that looks like the previous owner was possibly starting to part out. I got it just in time, though, so most everything was still within reasonable condition. Hull is in decent condition, minus what looks like a ding or two. Motor had to be completely scrapped, and the dash/gauges were complete garbage. I've been rebuilding the helm console as I can, but there arent any really good pics that I have found of the helm console. (Nor the wiring behind it.) Does anyone on here have an '88 that would be so kind as to help a guy out? Between the cut wires and extra crap that one of the owners had mounted and wired (very badly it would appear) I am at a loss as to which wires are SUPPOSED to be which... aside from what comes from the engine compartment and fuel gauge sender. Any help / photos would be more than appreciated.

Thanks,
Dan

Federalsburg, MD / Chesapeake Bay

Does anyone know the model and type of deck lifts on a 2008 360 coastal? The previous owner took the electric ones out when repowering and put in manual pump hydraulics which is not an easy way to access the engine room so I want to swap them out.

1998 Eclipse 2000 SC. Anyone know where I can get a starboard cowel vent cover?

Hello all,

I'm new to the forum, but not new to the boat or boating. I do have some questions that I could use immediate help with if anyone has information available.

I have a 1994 Eclipse 232FL with the 5.7L Mercruiser stern drive. The boat is in need of some restorartion. Mainly plastics that have broken over time. Does anyone have a source for OEM parts that they like to use?

Also, I am having issues locating a service manual for the boat. I think I found one for the engine. I am having some steering issues as well, some slack in the steering. Does anyone have information on how to adjust the cable steering on this boat?

Thanks in advance!