1977 or earlier Santa Cruz 2566 Q's and A's

F

flymaus

Member
Joined
Aug 16, 2008
RO Number
30614
Messages
2
Hi 1st post with 1st boat!

I've been a boater all my life but never with MY boat. Now I have a 2566 1977 vintage... I've got the 230-235 HP Original Engine and 2 different mechanics say it's in EXCELLENT shape. The prop is my question... I had it out recently on the water -after redoing all fuel lines and safety equipment. Got it to 3800 RPM and STILL NOT planing...

MASSIVE WAKE THO- (which was sort of impressive in itself )

But I wonder since I can find NO stats on how fast it was ever suppossed to go or even if it EVER planed...

I know it's not a speed demon but if it could just get out of the hole and plane a bit it would save fuel and provide some speed. I have no idea how fast I was going -no gauge...

I think I have a 14/14 3 blade prop on. Since it immediately went up to 3800 RPM I was thinking what if I went to a 4 blade with a bigger pitch?

Anyone out there with a similar config planing? What speed is a good speed?

What size prop do you have? If it's different from mine and you like it where did you get it?

And feel free to post anything regarding this type of Carver adn ask questions. It would be great to get a thread about the Santa Cruz's going since it's my first boat and I can use the knowledge.

thanks in advance for ANY info-

Michael aka flymaus
 
First of all, I hope you know that the massive wake is not going to win you any friends.
3800 RPMs is low. I'm guessing it should be at least 4500.
More pitch in a prop is going to bring your RPM's down even lower.
How is the boat loaded? Full water and fuel tanks? How many people on board? How much junk has accumulated? What does the bottom and running gear look like?
 
Is it possible you have a spun hub on the prop??? Also, 14x14 doesn't sound right. 14x19, maybe, or 14x21, something like that (anyone out there with vintage single stern drive experience that can lend their expertise here???)...

Is your boat powered with a MerCruiser engine? Is the carburetor a 2bbl??? Perhaps you have the 233HP, which is a Ford motor (351cid). Or you may have a 230, which is a GM. That boat should be capable of 30+ mph and plane easily. Take a look at the links I put on some of the "sticky" threads about Carver literature - you can find the 1977 brochure online and get more information...
 
was the boat surveyed? any moisture in the hull? if so, that'll add a lot of weight and degrade performance (although it wouldn't necessarily keep the rpm's down).
 
Michael,
Welcome.
1)If this is a sterndrive be sure the trim is working and the drive is in or down when you begin to throttle up to get on plane.
2)If you have trim tabs then a little tabbing down can help but should not be required.
3)How heavy is the boat? My 25' 1987 Searay with full fuel, water, weekend supplies and 4 adults will have a tough time getting on plane if going against wind and waves. It is a small block Mercruiser, 4bbl carb, 260hp and just barely enough motor for a 6000lb boat. We often need to send the biggest folks forward to the cabin for a moment to get on plane. Times I need 3500-3600rpms to stay on plane.This is common for this vintage and size of boat regardless of manufacturer. They sometimes had big blocks but the sterndrives lasted longer with a bit less torque and HP to twist up their internals.
4)Have no faith in the prop on the boat unless it is really close to what Carver designed the boat to use. The average DPO(damn previous owner) will put whatever is lying around the garage on the boat to sell it. I gained 400rpms and 8mph with the correct prop and a clean bottom.
5)I bet you still had fun, stupid looking big wake and all:>)
Eddie
 
Looks like flymaus is another one hit wonder.
 
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