New houseboat

Since we don't know what engines are in it, we can't tell if 3300 RPM's is good or bad. If you have diesels, 3300 might be right in line. If you have gas, then 3300 is pretty low.
 
Congrats on the boat!

You should post what engines you have to make sure at WOT (wide open throttle) you are achieving the proper RPM.

Walter
 
We know from another post that they are Crusader 350 ci small blocks. WOT for those engines should be in the 4200 to 4600 rpm range. If you are only getting max 3300 rpm, you have to figure out why? Overprpped? In need of a tune up? Old gas?
 
Whatever the reason for low RPM's (bottom growth, engine issues, over-propped) the OP needs to find out and correct the issue. 3300 is way too low.
 
Definite problems with growth. Also I have not run all of the old gas out of it. I'm running a mix of 3:1 new to old. I think it will run better when I run most of this out during the year. I am hauling at the end of the season and will be doing bottom cleaning and a repaint. Also will be fixing the small soft spot in the front deck. I am pleased overall with the way the engines ran but think that they should be doing better. No doubt a clean bottom and fresh gas will aid in making that happen.
 
be careful not to run too hard until you get the old gas and RPM straightened out other wise you may blow head gasket or tulip valves. keep it off plane and you should be OK
 
Well, 2 days ago I finally had her hauled. First time out of the water in over 13 years! I was surprised how few muscles I had attached to the bottom. There was only one section where I had a patch about 1' wide and 3' long close to the keel. It was otherwise fairly clean. It did of course have a pretty good covering of algae. I have a guy that comes around steam cleaning the bottoms of freshly pulled boats. Since he is only charging me $150 to completely pressure wash the bottom of my boat I am going to have it done. I wouldn't even pull out my regular pressure washer and start the job for that much.

It does not look like the bottom had ever been painted... not good for being in the water that long. OK, now for a stupid question. So if the guy steam cleans the bottom and gets it really clean how do I determine the placement of the waterline when I tape it off? I plan on a black bottom paint with a red waterline. Any suggestions on proper paint type for my fiberglass bottom?

Thanks!
 
I am thinking there will be a stain that runs from the water line down if it hasn't been pulled in 13 years and doesn't have bottom paint!
 
Tape it off about 2-3" (your choice) above the fairly obvious waterline---BEFORE he cleans the bottom.
 
Thinking about it I guess it would as boatbum says, have an obvious stain since it has been in the water for 13 years. What is the best growth retarding paint to use below waterline?
 
Bottom paint success varies from area to area. I suggest checking local knowledge as to what people in your area are having success with. Great to hear things are good to go with the boat other than minor issues.
 
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