Yes, there is no doubt Mel is the bomb but I didn't just sit around and watch her. While she was waxing away I spent the day freeing up my adjustable bracket that hadn't moved in 9 years. :D I have the motor moved up a full inch to see what that does. In retrospect I wished I would have bolted a new one on while everything was apart. That thing was just about to the point of being welded together.

Can't wait to give it another try this coming weekend. This time it will be with a full trip load in home waters conditions. Numbers from this run will really tell me what I have. Empty boat runs are great for gatherings and channel races for the ramp but the fine tuning I'm concerned with will be focused on speeds from 18 to 32 knots with a loaded boat. From limited testing so far I feel the new motor will really shine in my real world requirements.

I must say Ken was a true pleasure to work with. He knows his boat and he really know his stuff for sure. Both him and his lovely wife were amazing and we look forward to seeing him on the water and at the boat shows again soon. It really makes us very happy when we have such a positive experience with people. Makes it all worth it it in the end.

I will say we all think he is totally crazy for spear fishing at 400 feet but that is whole other discussion LOL.

If we can ever help anyone here please feel free to reach out to me directly, we enjoy what we do and love reading about how much you guys enjoy the boats.

Mike

Ken,
How much time on the motor now?

About 8 hours.... I would have to look. Going to put some on it this weekend.

I think you may see a .2 to .3 mpg increase and maybe 100 to 200 rpm's as you break her in another 2-3 trips. I plan on doing a few hours myself over the weekend.

Took her out for a few hours today. 140 gallons of fuel and 3 people, coolers and assorted gear and hit 41 knots at 5900. My cavitation plate was about 1/2" above the surface at cruise speed at minimal trim. No cavitation at hard turns.... Perfect. I'm locking it down from here with the 18.5" prop. Good to go. 11 hours on the motor so it could only get better with time. Happy, Happy.

Impressive motor. With full fuel and 3 people. at any speed from 16K-29K, maintains a solid 2.6nmpg efficiency. Sweet!

Here's a screen shot from the other day. Not bad for hauling 140 gallons of fuel and 3 people.

With 2.6 mpg and 140 fuel...... You don't always need enough fuel to get to Cuba and
back!!!!!!!!

Seriously! Unless you're heading on an overnigter, no reason to keep more then
75 gallons on board. All the rest which is like 500 lbs just kills performance.

Drop to 60 gallons, and up 20 hours and you'll see 6100 and 44kts.