www.iFourWinns.com

Just checking to see if my top speed is where it should be. Volvo 4.3 GL/SX (190hp) w/ oem aluminum prop. With myself & dog onboard (260 lbs total) and gas tank about 2/3 full (20 gallons), I was topping out at 42mph at 4200 rpm.
Thanks, in advance, for feedback.

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2006 Horizon 190, Volvo 4.3GL, Sunsport
towed by 2007 4Runner 6 Ltd

Well, you didn't say whether you have the 4.3GL or 4.3GXi. Either way, FW indicates you should be getting closer to 50 MPH, and closer to 4600 - 4800 RPM at WOT. Wind waves and weight do make a difference, but I'd still think you should be closer to the max RPM range.

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2007 Horizon 200
4.3L GXi/ SX 225 HP

It is the GL (I edited orginal post accordingly). Yes, I thought I should be getting a little more out of it...not quite sure why (40 hrs on boat, hull still showroom clean). There was a little wind & chop. I'm assuming the bimini (which was closed) still has some drag effect.
I'm very pleased with the acceleration out of the hole, and don't really need the top end, but would appreciate any suggestions/ ideas as to why I might be on the slow side.

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2006 Horizon 190, Volvo 4.3GL, Sunsport
towed by 2007 4Runner 6 Ltd

Here's the fastfacts page with FW performance numbers for your boat:

http://www.fourwinns.net/fastfacts/fast ... 6/190H.pdf

There appears to be a typo in the performance section that identifies the stock prop - listed for the GL is the 14.25 x 23, but the metric equivalent doesn't match up, just look at the metric equivalents for the other props, something isn't right. I'd bet that the 14.25 x 21 is correct for your boat. The actual numbers for your prop should be stamped into the side of your prop. If all else is good, engine running well, hull clean, load around a half tank of gas and one or two adults forward enough so that little or no trim adjustments are required, you should get the RPMs up or you are running too much prop and need to drop down a bit.

Well, I just checked the '07s and they cleaned up the misprints, but continue to state 14.25 x 23 is correct for a 190H with the GL. Odd that a GXi with 35 more horses uses a prop with less pitch (14.25 x 21), and that the Merc equivalent with the same number of horses uses a prop with a smaller diameter (13.5 x 23).

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2007 Horizon 200
4.3L GXi/ SX 225 HP

Are you trimming out at WOT?

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'06 Horizon 210

First where are you getting your 42 mph reading? If it from the speedo start over. You need a GPS reading the speedo is just a ballpark figure.

Yes, I was trimmed out, and speed reading came from speedo as well as handheld Garmin Trex gps- which concurred. I'll check prop specs when I get home. I looked briefly this morning but had difficulty finding them.

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2006 Horizon 190, Volvo 4.3GL, Sunsport
towed by 2007 4Runner 6 Ltd

just checked...my prop size is 14-1/4 x 23...?

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2006 Horizon 190, Volvo 4.3GL, Sunsport
towed by 2007 4Runner 6 Ltd

You're still under warranty, right? Call the dealer, see what they say. A few MPH shy could be explained away, but 8 or 9?

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2007 Horizon 200
4.3L GXi/ SX 225 HP

Me the wife and a tank of gas will hit 50+ if I trim it just right.

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Guns kill people like spoons make people fat.
2007 Horizon 190 Gxi
97 Pathfinder SE 4x4
73 International Scout II

SOOOO many factors could be in play, I dont think the dealer will put a lot of time into it.

For what it's worth, I have the 4.3 GL on an 18' that came with the 14.25x23 prop. My top end is 48 @4600 RPM (2 people, 3/4 tank of gas).

My guess is that there shouldn't be that much weight difference that would drop you 6mph and lose 400 RPM.

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-Rob.


Current boat: 2011 Yamaha AR210
Previous boat: 1998 Horizon RX 4.3GL SX

First off, for those that have replied, NEVER believe any boat speedo, they're terribly inaccurate. Don't even try to compare boat speeds unless you are using a good GPS.

Now for the accurate part. All the tests I've read on the FW190 with your motor (and there's quite a few out there) shows an average of low to mid 40's for top speed. So you're doing OK. Some boats have tested at the low end (like yours) and some have tested higher (around 45-46 mph). One thing to remember, NO two props will perform the same, even if they're brand new exactly the same pitch/model. Just like no two engine/outdrive packages will be identical.

Researching FW's own tests, and the tests of boating magazines of your hull/engine combo, your speed is about right. I do think that 4200 is a little low for top speed rpms. You could try another prop of the same model/pitch and see what happens. Also, make sure you've trimmed the outdrive up and down until you've achieved your best top speed. That can eat up a lot of lake. Another thing, if your motor has not spent much time at WOT since new, running it there more and more can help. Of course, you'll wear it out faster too

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Previous Four Winns: 2003 Freedom 180, 150 Johnson XL, purchased new July 2005, sold Sept. 07
Current Four Winns: 2002 Horizon 170, 115 Yamaha V4, purchased May 2010 from family friend.

I have the same configuration as you - Volvo 190hp, SX leg. Mine tops out at 49mph with 2 adults, 3/4 tank of fuel and ski gear on board. This was on a flat river with no wind (perfect conditions .

If you speed and rpm is down, you may want to check that you get full wide open throttle... Push the throttle lever all the way forward and check that the carby butterflies are dead vertical. (A simple trick I learned in 25 years of motor sport!)

Thanks...I'll check. Assuming that they are not vertical, I am assuming that a cable adjustment is in order?

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2006 Horizon 190, Volvo 4.3GL, Sunsport
towed by 2007 4Runner 6 Ltd