www.iFourWinns.com

Hey gents. Just got her out about 2 weeks ago for the first run of the summer. Still noticing poor performance. What's the max speed of this boat? Its a '07 H180 w/ 3.0 Penta. We literally have to run it full out to get to 30mph on the speedo (Confirmed by gps). It also seems i can rev it past what the manual states is the max revs (trying to remember i think it was 4600rpm). I can rev it up to over 5k if i go WOT without much increase in speed. We're running the stock aluminum prop.

Any ideas (Besides get a bigger boat, the boss won't allow that )

I would think you'll get a few more mph by playing with the prop.

Try some different props. If you know the motor's 'redline' - you want a prop that will let you get to it.

I think someone said that for ever 1 degree you prop up, you'll drop about 250rpm, but gain a little on the top end?

Or - am I waaaaay wrong on that? If so, someone will correct me I'm sure.

Biggest thing to get the most out of that motor is to conserve the weight on the boat. Don't run with a whole bunch of gear that you will never use. Or, if you only go out for a spurt at a time, only run with half a tank?

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2008 318 Vista -SOLD, but I am still around!
All Night Long, Seattle WA

I have the same setup but a 2006. The OEM alum. 21p prop gets me to about 44mph (spedo no GPS) at 4900 RPM. The manual says max RPM is between 4600-4800. I cruise at 26mph at 3100 RPM. My stats are almost identical off my primary 21p Volvo stainless. Acceleration is better across the RPMs though.

You should be getting more MPH out of her. I'm confused that you confirmed by GPS and still only get 30mph.

Now whats your pitch? You need a 21p if not 23p with this boat.

p.s. - I had a 19p prop that would only get me a little over 30mph at 5k RPM. The hole shot was great but it hated to cruise above 25mph. Is this what you have?

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-2006 H180 VP3.0 SS 21p

I have a 07 180 with a 3.0 VP, two weeks ago I checked the accuracy of the speedo.With a full fuel tank and fairly calm waters I hit 45 mph on the speedo 38mph on the GPS.I am not sure which prop I have but it should be the standard stock one.
I will confirm these numbers this weekend.

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Andrew
07 H180
2000 Buell X-1
Stouffville Ontario
Canada

07 180 with Merc 3.0. 43 MPH on GPS @ 4850 ish RPM.

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Rob
2007 Four Winns 180 Horizon

Bigger boat with the 3.0 isn't going to help much I think that's a common config and from what I've seen from others you should be about 10mph higher.

What kind of load are you going out with? Are you adjusting the trim up as your speed increases?

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-Rob.


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

I'm seeing in around the range that everyone else here is seeing, low 40's with the ability to turn 4800-5000 rpm.

Cruise at 3300 rpm with 2 adults a teen and a 11 year old, full fuel tank is around 25-27 mph on the speedo.

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2009 H180 w/3.0 Merc
Homebuilt Minimax Hydro
2011 Zodiac Cadet 310

Yep something isn't right , I pull low 40's running a 19inch ss at around 4800 rpm according to the speedo

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Ardy
Adelaide South Australia
Red H180 3.0 Merc

Bigger boat = Bigger motor

Anyhow, usually its just two adults with maybe 30lb's of gear. Yes, we are trimming appropriately. I'm guess something's up with the prop and we're just not grabbing enough water. I have also noticed it seems to, how to put this, drag its knuckles a bit from a stop. Doesn't really smoothly putt along at lower speeds. Almost feels like its bogging, but the motor sounds ok. So i guess i'll have to buy a new prop and stick on and see what we get.

Anything else i should be checking?

Possible that the rubber hub is in need of replacement? Hit anything in the water or have a bottom strike lately?

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Paul
2007 Four Winns Horizon 220
Mercruiser 350 Mag MPI w/ Bravo III Drive
2004 Ford Explorer Limited (V8-AWD)
Pomme de Terre Lake (Southwest Missouri)

Recheck your prop. Unless I missed it you haven't told us the pitch, diameter, brand, condition, is it cupped?

Is the boat slipped? Are barnicles on the bottom or what's the condition?

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-2006 H180 VP3.0 SS 21p

Pet575: Which rubber hub? I'm not too familiar with that. We haven't had any bottom strikes, but we did twist up the prop sometime last season in a crab pot line that came loose and was floating in the channel.

jwerner: I don't have the specs offhand. Its a stock volvo penta prop, i'm assuming 14.25 dia, 19p i believe. Prop isn't cupped. We do slip the boat and it was just dropped in the water about 2-3 weeks ago after a fresh interior/exterior detail and fresh bottom painting. So no growth this early.

I think I'll just purchase a new prop, and perhaps go with the 14.25" 23p prop. Does it make sense to look at 4 blade props or stick with the 3-blade? Stainless is out of the question as the waters we run in (Off Ocean City, NJ if anyone's on the east coast US) is notoriously shallow.

I think the 23 inch prop might be a bit tall especially if you intend to use the boat for water sports etc Someone chime in here if I am wrong but I believe 21inch alum is the standard prop for that boat,
Hope this helps

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Ardy
Adelaide South Australia
Red H180 3.0 Merc

Consider a SS prop even if your in shallow waters. Most modern designs have a hub which will slip on impact protecting the drive. It would take a hard strike to damage it. Mud, sand, etc might scratch it where it would destroy an alum prop.

Yea 23p might be too much prop for water sports but would probably give you 10+ MPH over your 19P.

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-2006 H180 VP3.0 SS 21p

I agree, I had the 14.25x23p standard with the 4.3 and it worked for watersports, but not as well as the 14x20 4-blade we use now. I can't see the 23p working out better with the smaller motor.

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-Rob.


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