Buying the Merlin

clayhubler · Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2025 11:17 am Post subject:

Made it home last night. Had a nice visit with Tom and Susan on the way down.

Merlin is now a SW washington boat. I've got big plans for this boat but not sure when to start. I think I'll get it all cleaned up today and take to the river on sunday and try to get some performance and fuel burn numbers.

clayhubler · Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2025 11:19 pm Post subject:

Had a good run in the river today. Didn’t get fuel burn yet because I didn’t refuel the boat on the way home. But performance was great. Cruise at 3600rpm is 30mph and wot is 4800rpm and 40mph. I believe redline should be 5800 so I might be able to gain some more speed with a different prop but really there is no need for more speed and it has ss duoprops so I imagine they are spendy. Even at 40 it felt stable and tracked good but doesn’t really want to turn.

clayhubler · Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2025 12:05 am Post subject:

Oh ya, that is with full fuel (100 gal) and 8 adults. Super pleased

thataway · Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2025 10:45 am Post subject:

I think you are propped correctly. Running at 3000 RPM getting 24 seems good for that combination of outdrive and engine. I would run it there, or maybe up to 3400 RPM. Much better fuel economy in that RPM range. Easier on the engine=longivity.