Ran a quick maiden run with the PD on the new hull before rain and cold ran us off the lake (wife was with me).

Elevation 2300 feet above sea level.
Load was 2 persons total 380 lbs, two dogs total 145 lbs, 6 gallons gas, minimal gear.
Water conditions were dead calm smooth with no wind.
Prop is worn enough to affect performance.

Consistent max speed 22.5 mph at 3750 RPM. Did not play with load at all...could probably squeeze some more speed out if I took the time to do it.

Given the altitude, calm water, worn prop and load I am quite happy with these speeds. The boat seems to run a skoche faster than my last hull.

Im no genius, but you def. should be getting more speed. Even with a worn prop you should be turning more rpms.

I run an 1852 with a 36 and with 2 people and a similar load... im around 25.

Put fresh batts in the GPS and went out again for a solo run. The thing had a hard time finding satellites, would read high, then low speed. I have had to wipe the GPS system before and reinstall software for this problem...looks like I will have to do it again.

So, speeds posted might be low. It certainly felt faster, although I am used to that speed range in past boats at this altitude with worn prop.

Stay tuned.

Something is not right I can run 22-24 mph with a 1854 GTB with 5-6 people.
Your RPMs are about 1100 to low. I would be trying to figure out why they are so low. When you ran it WFO your speed droped off after 2700?

Thanks for the heads-up, Shockwave. Have corrected my original post. RPMs were 3750, not 2750!

RPM's seem pretty low on the motor, it should be turning 3850-3900 with two people, more like 4000-4100 with a worn prop. Check your RPM's out of the water in neutral to see if the gov is set up proper.

PW

Thanks cutt and PW. Will check OOW RPMs.

The run I made was quick, so maybe with a little more playing around I might be there anyway. I am not complaining nonetheless. I don't think a lot of folks on this board realize the effect that 2300 ft. of altitude has on performance.

So you are saying that the higher altitude is reducing your air mixture.

When I rode dirt bikes up in CO the guys I rode with changed out the carb jets overy 500 ft in elivation change. I never did it but they changed mine out once and I did notice a little gain.

I wouldn't know where to start but could you not do the same to the lawnmower engines?

Good luck with you new rig and let us know if you change anything.

Ran it again (finally) with only me in the boat, 6 gallons of gas. Very light chop...actually a ripple. All deep water. Light side wind. Again, 2300 feet elevation with a prop showing some wear.

Top speed 25.5 mph, ran consistently at 24.9-25.1 mph. RPM at best speed 3950 to 4100.

I'm quite happy with these speeds given the parameters of altitude and prop condition. This rig definitely runs 1 to 2 mph faster than the GatorTrax 1650 HuntDeck hull I last had this motor (and prior to that a 35 Sport Hyperdrive) on.

I am looking forward to adding aftermarket exhaust, Mikuni and head work and then leaving it at that. If I can get mid-20's loaded with 2 guys and lots of hunting stuff I will be a happy camper. I am glad I got the 1852 instead of an 1848. I sweated over that decision and I am pleased that I opted for a bit more capacity to haul all of my stuff.

Ran again this afternoon. By myself 26.8 at 4050 RPM with 5 mph tail wind. Put two others in the boat, 650 lbs combined weight and it ran 21.4 against the wind. Did not play with weight at all...had 'em in the back half of the boat with me.

this is same rig i m gonna buy next. would like to seem some pics if you ever get a chance.

Woodrow,

I don't do picture hosting sites so I can't put pix up here...can attach them on other sites. Or, give me your email and when I snap some pix I will email them to you. I have not taken any, as I am about 1/3 of the way through outfitting the boat. I still need to camo paint it, turf the floor and put in all the electrical. But I suppose I could snap some quickie pix if you want to see what the layout looks like.

I have owned four mud motor boats prior to this and I like the layout of the 1852 Phowler for what I need to do and carry.

ok don t worry about it thanks for the reply