f350 repower

[mikeym]

i figured id post about my first weekend with the boat after repowering from 300xs to a f350. no changes were made to the boat except swapping out a 10" jack for a 4", waterline on the transom is very close to where it was with the 300. i have not done trim tabs, and im not convinced it needs them yet. im running a stock 25p yammy prop, and first run with 1/2 fuel and 2 guys yielded 42-43mph @ 3500 burning 10-10.5gph, wide open got to 6100 quick with no jack and little trim, 74.5mph burning 33.5gph. preparing for a charity crabbing tournament our company hosts every year, i topped it off with fuel, packed 1 well full of drinks, food and ice, another live well with water, and 4 people- cruise was 1-2mph slower @ 10.5gph and wide open was still on the limiter at 73 and climbing.

the f350 gets out the hole hard, cruise is much smoother/quieter, mid range power is insane, and though it feels a little weak above 5500, it climbs steady to the limiter. with the opti, the boat felt glued to the water, it ran very neutral regardless of trim. now, the boat runs flat with no trim and eats a chop like it always has. however, when you start to trim, it comes alive and the lift is incredible. wot with half trim, most of the boat is out the water and it tracks. go to 2/3rd trim, and just about all the boat is out the water. it does a little walk with the jack down, but come up an inch and its gone. i havent been able to stretch it out like this yet being on the limiter the whole time, but i know theres a little speed left in it with a 26p. i really couldnt be happier with the boat now. cruise is a little worse than the opti, but is still strong at 4mpg, and it has picked up 5mph already right out the box. ill post back with pictures, video and hopefully some improved performance when the 26p gets here! i owe a lotta thanks to hale marine here in savannah for doing the dirty work, and to kevin for putting up with me seemingly for hours on the telephone!

[gaiam]

thinking of doing the new boat w/the 350. Had the V300 on the last one. What did the upgrade cost you if you dont mind me asking. Did you get the lathem steering? would like to see pics and video.

[mikeym]

i have not done the side mount latham steering, though i do have power steering set up on a front mount ram. steering is effortless and just as controlled at 70+ as it is at 30. im guessing the side mount would free up a little room at the transom though, as it is very tight with the front mount cylinder- you have to be concious of where your trim/jack is, the steering hose elbows can make contact with the transom. you can go about half trim on the motor with the jack down, pull the jack up 1" and youve got full range of tilt/trim. latham steering doesnt put you in the clear entirely though, i believe the first f350 boat made contact with the transom a few times and needed gel coat touch up. i was fortunate to find a great deal on an 08 demo motor with 39hr on it, i was very little out of pocket once the 300xs sold.

[gaiam]

who did the work? Did you go with trim tabs?

[mikeym]

hale marine here in savannah, ga did the repower. i have not installed trim tabs yet, and honestly, i havent seen a need for them yet. with 2 wells full and 4 people, i still dont get any porpoising and it hops right up on plane without much bow rise. a 26 powertech showed up last week, but was minus a thrust washer. if the thrust washer shows today, i should have some numbers with a 26p 4blade this afternoon.

[mikeym]

a few pictures on the water from over the weekend. got some video too, will post them soon.

[Angler Systems]

Lovin a couple of those photos!

[mikeym]

thanks. i got a chance to run a new 26p 4blade powertech this afternoon with less than stellar results. 3500rpm cruise at 46mph burning 12gph, wot 69mph against the tide, 70 and change with it at 54-5500 burning 34gph. hole shot about the same as the 25 yamaha, mid range was not as strong, obviously neither was top end. it could only run about 1" higher on the jackplate, but had incredible bite in corners. 26p 3blade powertech is next.

[psycosnooker]

that is a pretty boat ! please post only wot speed ....LOL Keep us up to date

[psycosnooker]

take out back seat rest ......worth about .... 0005 mph