JD here.... 1987 39' Express ....

[JDWWW]

JD here....
1987 39' SR Express Cruiser....
Owned her since July 1999...
454 Crusaders
I've been thru the interior.... exterior ... canvas ... parts of the engine .... toilet (vacu flush) ... etc etc etc ... I'll answer any general questions I can on the older 39 EC's .... I also have a friend that re built one from salvage.
My direct email address is jdwwwrb2@gr5tyahoo.com

 

[SLW]

JD, what are your cruising speed and consumption figures?

 

[JDWWW]

I CRUISE AT 19 MPH
AND BURN APPROX 30 GALLONS OF GAS AN HOUR.

 

[SLW]

I've heard similar figures before, which is why I'm curious. The first time I heard someone say that, I assumed they just didn't know how to run their boat. Why is the 390EC so slow and inefficient? The 400DA is essentially the same size. Granted, I'm running FI engines and the hull shape is different, much more draft. However, with v-drives, the DA is presumably more stern-heavy. I cruise at 26 MPH and can get .7 mpg or better.

Have you known anyone who's put FI into a 390? Have you played with your props or messed around with cruising speed to see if she does any better at higher RPMS?