Horse Power Question

[Marty Rosalik]

Just bought an older 1979 V220. I wanted one with the 260 HP 4-BBL but got the 305 Cu In with 2-BBL.

The advertizement and my contract says 228 HP but the Mercruiser sticker on the valve cover is more like 198. What is it?

Don't really care I keep it on plane at about 2300 rpm and on an inland lake (no waves) trimmed up can buzz it to about 4200 WOT.

I think it needs trim tabs to stay on plane a little slower. 25 to 30 mph is a little too rough for the Mrs.

Any suggestions on size?

 

[David M]

Rule of thumb is one inch of tab width PER SIDE for every foot of boat. 22 foot boat = 22 inch tabs. If 22" wont fit, get the largest that will and see if they have the sport tab model in that size. It looks kinda like this |---|. The two vertical planes are supposed to add a theoretical 16% lift area to the plane. So you could use 18" sport tabs and get the same results as 22" flat tabs.

 

[Cap10pat]

A 79 boat - and I guess a 79 engine since you haven't said otherwise - may not perform like it did in 1979. So, you'll have to take what it is. I can't help you with that. But, find out the rated rpm. Sounds like you may not be getting to that. Make sure the bottom and outdrive are clean, tune the engine, then you can try adjusting the prop. After all these years you may have to get a prop that works with this old guy.