Just recently picked up a used '13 Phowler 1866 with 36PD EFI, 21" sides. We usually hunt 3-4 guys + gear. First time out we had 2 guys (225 each) + dog and were touching 22MPH. Added a 3rd guy, also 225, and couldn't get the boat to plane regardless of load placement. Any advice on motor as far as best motor work/props for this setup? Considered stage 2 and possibly different prop, just wanted some advice before dropping the cash on it. We ran it side by side with a '13 2060 with a '07 36PD and it walked all over us with the same load.

What lower unit, Gen III?
What rpm are you spinning out of water or in water?
How worn is the prop?
What prop are you running?
How does the bottom of the hull look, any hooks or dents?

The performance you are describing is almost exactly what I get out of my boat in deep water. I'm running a WC 1854 3/16" bottom and 24" 1/8" sides. I have the same motor as you, Gen 3 PD with perfect condition 3 blade prop. My best performance is at 4200 RPM. I get 25mph unloaded and light, 21mph with second person/dog/gear. When a third person is added it takes half the lake to get on step but it can be done. If a 4th person is added you can forget about getting on plane.


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Call pro drive and order a two blade prop, the three blade is garbage in my opinion. I would also have some head work done to help carry the loads you are running.

Got it out again this morning and got a 740lb load to 21mph. Still very slow to plane. Gonna take it to Illowa for a stage 2 and check into a 2 blade prop. Rpm's ran between 4380-4410 under full power.

I have an 2014 Phowler 1860 with a 13 prodrive gen lll efi. It now has the E5. With three and four people I can do 21-22 deep water and 25 in shallow water at 4400-4450 rpm. I did have the three blade prop reworked at Baggys. I didn't really pick up any top end speed but it will practically jump out of the hole. He put a 14 pitch and double cupped it. I wonder if the double cup might be why I didn't pick up any on top. I need to call him and ask. The first year I had the motor I had to take it t back to prodrive. It would run great empty or a light load but when loaded it ( three people gear and three dozen decoys) I couldn't get but about 12 mph. They shaved the heads 15 or 20 thousandths. I don't remember which. It was done and under warranty. After that I would do 19.


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Didn't realize the post was a year old.


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