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Preparing For More Power by
Steve Horsfall
I have a 1971, 23-foot
Chris Craft Lancer. My father purchased it new in 1971. The hull
is in mint condition with the original 250 Volvo outdrive. However,
I am on the third engine, a small block GM unit that produces about
175 hp at the prop. I used to be able to hit 42 mph on the original
engine, but not now. At full throttle, the boat only hits a top
speed of approximately 32 mph at 4200 rpm.
I would like to repower the Lancer with a new
Volvo engine and drive. My local marina suggests a new Volvo 380
cubic inch engine that will deliver 285 hp at the prop. They also
say the transom must be reinforced with marine plywood and gelcoated,
since there is only fibreglass there now. Is the boat capable of
taking this new engine and drive?
J.R. Fennell, e-mail
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Bad Luck with Props
Further to your response in the last issue of Power Boating Canada,
I suggested a carbon-fibre three-blade prop to a friend of mine
about two years ago, since he has been having terrible luck at damaging
props on rocks. He eventually purchased one and, about a year later,
he was leaving his marina and the hub of the prop split and all
three lobes of the prop sank into the channel. He decided to go
back to the standard aluminum prop, as he was always able to "limp
home" with them.
J. McKane, e-mail
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Clean Sweep
I own a 1997 Wellcraft. The gelcoat was badly stained by bird
droppings while at an outside storage facility. My son cleaned it
up with one of those green "scrubbies." The stains are gone, but
the finish is dulled and swirled from the abrasive action. I tried
polishing it with a light swirl remover, with little success. I
am afraid that if I try a more aggressive approach, I will really
make a mess of the hull. What do you recommend?
F. Lyle, e-mail
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(See the answers
from the expert in the magazine. Send
your questions to: stephen.horsfall@sympatico.ca) (Top)
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