www.iFourWinns.com

Now that I'm more comfortable with the boat, I tried to get it to go to max speed. I tried different trim angles and even with the GPS, I couldn't get it above 32 mph. The volvo penta is rated at 45 mph at max wot of 4800 rpm's. I got the rpm's, I got the right prop. the engine just purrs but won't give the speed at any trim position. Any Ideas? Would a dirty bottom affect the speed by 15 mph?

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Alexj



1995 Four Winns Horizon 190
OMC 5.0 RL

Growth or "carpet" on the hull will slow the boat down. Doubtful if it would be 15 mph. Do you have bottom paint on the boat ? Do you slip the boat, rack store or trailer? What were the weather and sea conditions when you attempted this WOT run ? How many people, and how much fuel and gear did you have on the boat when you went out ?

With the 260 hp. 5.0L, you should definately be getting a better speed at WOT.

For reference, we slip our 268, have bottom paint, have some marine growth, and we can still get close to 40 mph with those conditions.

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Alex, You just had the motor replaced didn't you? If you did, I'd go back to the mechanic with a copy of the specs Four Winns has for the boat with the motor/drive combo and tell him something ain't right.

You might also want to give FW a call and disscuss any possible issues they might be aware of.

Keep us posted, as I'm in agreement with CM on this one...should be much better than 32 mph. Heck my 288 is twice your weight, I have 2 5.0s and can easily hit 48+ at WOT.

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Jvalich
http://www.badcock.com

'04 FW 288 Vista "Mental Floss"

Yes, I did just have the motor replaced. I tried the speed with 25 gals. ( cap. is 50) of gas, I was alone when doing it. I have no appreciable weight facters to consider. I slip the boat. There is no bottom growth that I could see. The lake was near perfect, maybe waves of 1 foot or less. I will talk to the mechanic. In the mean time, any ideas??

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Alexj



1995 Four Winns Horizon 190
OMC 5.0 RL

What is the condition of the prop?

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Jvalich
http://www.badcock.com

'04 FW 288 Vista "Mental Floss"

The prop is new. Had some dings in it from another lake, but I corrected it and it is as new.

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Alexj



1995 Four Winns Horizon 190
OMC 5.0 RL

Alex, have you ever taken the boat to a truck scale and weighed her? Also, how is the performance out of the hole? Does she plane quickly without substansial bow rise?

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Jvalich
http://www.badcock.com

'04 FW 288 Vista "Mental Floss"

If the rpms are right and the engine's the right one (a replacement?) then I'd seriously doubt that it's propped correctly.

After talking with my volvo mechanic today, he said that the weight of the boat makes the size of the engine under powered. The most I should get out of it is 35mph which is close to what I get. I'm going to do some more research on this but I believe my mechanic. I don't really like it but will have to live with it. It comes out of the hole slow and planes kind of slow and I do get a large bow rise that settles slow. The horse power is rated at 220. I'll have to verify all my engine data. I really didn't physically look at the block to verify the engine data. I will now.

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Alexj



1995 Four Winns Horizon 190
OMC 5.0 RL

I concur with your mechanic. 220 horses is underpowered. Use of the tabs will help considerable with the planing issues and bow rise.

_________________
Jvalich
http://www.badcock.com

'04 FW 288 Vista "Mental Floss"

Yup!!

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Alexj



1995 Four Winns Horizon 190
OMC 5.0 RL

Sounds like a new 278 Vista would fix the problem

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Jvalich
http://www.badcock.com

'04 FW 288 Vista "Mental Floss"

Don't let my wife hear you say that! She was just getting used to this one. The 278 is the one for the not too distant future. I just have to plan on how to get it when I'm ready to get it and then convince the wife. But for now, the 238 is just what we need to get broken in.

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Alexj



1995 Four Winns Horizon 190
OMC 5.0 RL

Alex. I know of a nice 268 in Michigan that is priced just right.

Let me know when you are ready.

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Have you given any thought to a four blade prop? I had similar performance issues with a 245 Vista (which I consider to be way under powered) and it helped quite a bit.