185 xlt differences [Archive]

offshore ginger

01-08-2010, 04:38 PM

Are there any Major differences between these boats from the mid 80's era to an early 90's that I should be aware of.

Here are two I would have to decide on pulling the trigger on if I had my boat sold. Not really considering one was called Powerplay and the other was Powerquest which most likely had newer appoments thru the years. KG , just curious are both of the boats in the St Clare Shores area ?

RSCHAP1

01-09-2010, 06:39 AM

I had always assumed that they were all atleast from the same molds.
Windsheilds is about all I have ever saw as updated. Square vs rounded.

01-09-2010, 08:24 AM

No they are not local. I am pretty sure this "model boat" will be the next that I purchase if my Silverton sells.

I have always loved these boats since an uncle owned a Barron. My wife is on board, she likes the newer style, I like the older style though!

woogie

01-10-2010, 01:34 PM

KG - same hull for the whole prod. run 83-93. Few tweaks from the orig. Baron- hull/fuel tank location/cockpit and windshield angle... Very few accessory changes over the years - Italian winshields in 89, Angle iron motor mounts on some with 350 mags, elimination of teak trim in later years, etc... There were 3 deck options available but the XLT was by far the most popular.

There are usually a few for sale in W. Michigan in the spring. I can check with a few folks if you wish.

The Blue one in your pic is from Zeeland, Mi. last i knew and there are pics of it and the work the owner did in the PP section under Winter Projects.

I bought one new in 89 and still have it. Have run lots of boats over the years but the xlt is hands down the most fun to run around in.

tdaddy185xlt

01-10-2010, 03:15 PM

I dont have any clue at all :D only thing I know is you tell me how fast you want to go and I will tell you how much HP it will take.... :D:D been a long road :D

and knowing about those boats your looking at..... welll I don't have a clue either :D

help ya at all? :laugher:

01-10-2010, 03:52 PM

I just need my Silverton gone!

01-10-2010, 03:55 PM

Thanks guys!

Woogie- I love that color combo of yours!

Anymore pics around?

powerplay5.7

02-02-2010, 11:57 AM

Hey KG i dont know what your time line is like, but im seriously considering letting mine go here shortly.
I'm throwing it out there so you know.

Nothing wrong with it at all. Just not big enough for us anymore.
There are some pics in my photo album if you wanna see it. or i can e-mail you some, was trying to load them up here for ya,but was taking forever. sorry...

Im open for any questions you might have as well.

02-02-2010, 12:05 PM

Thanks! I will keep that in mind. I originally had a buyer for my boat that has since fell through...I am hoping I can get my boat sold this spring then I am going to purchase another....as soon as possible! I will take a look!

powerplay5.7

02-02-2010, 02:28 PM

Horse power

02-02-2010, 03:32 PM

I bought one new in 89 and still have it. Have run lots of boats over the years but the xlt is hands down the most fun to run around in.

Thats a nice looking boat.

02-04-2010, 08:44 PM

Sweet............If you want i can email mail you some pics, and just general info on what ive done so far.
Basically im at the point with it where I either have to start dropping $$$$ into it to make it fit my needs or sell and upgrade......
Its a shame too because i love this little thing, but where i do my boating its sometimes like bringing a knife to a gun fight....

Yes I would be interested in the info. I really like the Old School blue one in the pictures, but nonetheless I have zero options till my boat sells! Its just Febuary though..hopefully she will sell soon though....I am going to be patient with this purchase...I am definitly waiting until mine is gone before I jump......hopefully!:)

NYSuperboat24

02-05-2010, 08:01 AM

I would love to pick one of these up this summer. KG I am not going to jump on your thunder but if anyone has any other leads on any clean 185's (euro-windshield huge plus) I would be interested in any info you guys have.

02-05-2010, 10:25 AM

No problem!

I know of three that are available.

The two hear, and another locally.

I really want one now I am just holding off until I sell mine. If I snooze I loose...But in these economic times I am going to be patient!

powerplay5.7

02-05-2010, 12:50 PM

KG I will put together an e-mail for you this weekend.... The blue one's were my fave too. Or the 89' like woogies. I think are the toughest looking ones out there, but good luck finding one like that.....

Patience is the key to looking for one of theses old birds. I looked at....... at least half dozen of these that were in need of hull seperation resto jobs. Its a shame...

These boats were built solid as a rock and There really isnt to much to watch out for on these. The few things i did find preety consistantly was around where the windshield attaches to the deck....and at the engine hatch corners is where the majority of the stress cracks occur. If not taken care of properly over the years water gets in these cracks and aids in helping delam the bulkheads...FYI There is one in illinois like this that is still for sale and was when i bought mine three years ago..... Sucks too because it has the Italian windshield on it. I also noticed that if there is a ski tow on the back top deck water liked to run down between the bezel and the pole and it rots the wood in there. I took mine out and put a round pop-up cleat in and sealed it up nicley with the good old 3M Stuff.

I was able to get a few pics uploaded today before technology got me.. But ill send you over more orginized ones.

My boat stays bone dry... never seen any water in my bilge unless i put it there....Anyway i apologize for getting longwinded i just got on a roll...LOL.

02-05-2010, 10:11 PM

Is the Bow rider version the same hull as the XLT with a different deck?

5.7~ Thanks for the heads up!!!

02-05-2010, 10:15 PM

If my boat was gone today~ this is the boat tthat would be in my driveway!

02-05-2010, 10:16 PM

this is one I came across today that made me ask about the bow rider!

RSCHAP1

02-06-2010, 05:19 AM

I looked at a couple open bows. Integra I believe is what they called that version. If it isn't the same with an open bow, I couldn't see any other difference. A couple nice ones on our local CraigsList every so often. I know that I never thought the under bow area was too useful. My 169 Chris Craft was a lil' smaller but similar with just carpeted storage under the bow. Only crawled up there a few times to see what was there, then hardly ever even stored anything there either. Used the ski locker or under the hatch...Happy shoppinng!!

powerplay5.7

02-06-2010, 08:44 AM

Ill be honest ive never seen one of those.... LOL. That thing is bad to the bone...
What up with the outdrive? Looks like a cone on that thing? Thats not an SS on there is it?

I tell you what if you keep posting all these xlt's that are for sale i may end up with another one....

02-06-2010, 01:05 PM

Buy 'em up, just make sure there is one laying around that I can scoop up! LOL

It does look like an SS alpha, but I do not know. Its in Storage about 1 hour from me. I think next weekend I will go and take a look at it. I prefer a closed bow, but in reality an open bow would work fine too.

We plan to go back to day boating and using our Cabin up north alot more. And to throw into the mix trying to start a family, I just cant see keeping a 34' Cruiser if we do not plan to use it for what it is meant to be used for....So I want to go back to a small day boat.

This 185 will work great for what I want, and as the tears move forward and we grow out of the boat and back into bigger cruisers...I will still have my toy boat to play with!

Thast my thoughts and reasoning on these boats anyways!

woogie

02-06-2010, 04:00 PM

Thanks for the compliments. The hull was the same for the entire run no matter the deck option 1983-93. There were 3 Models - 185 XLT, 185 Luxury Sport, and the Integra. A lot of the Integra bowriders don't have the V8. Also the bowriders only have a 23 gallon fuel tank compared to the XLT which has a 35gal. Yes, you will see stress webs in places - even some off the engine vent screws. I never had any off the windshield as early on I pulled it off and had it powdercoated white and at that time gave it a thick bed.

Remember most of these boats have been driven like circus acts and most have been run on the Big Lake. The first day I had mine I fully cranked the wheel at 55 and probably pulled 2G's. The company actually promoted this fun back before insurance companies caught wind of performance boats. At the 1990 G.R Boat Show - PP had my boat sitting on fake waves made from blue carpet with 2 large monitors playing videos of 3 xlts off Holland Harbor having a big air contest. This was the first thing you saw when you entered the show. Remember those shows - that year PP sold a dozen and Reggie was there and took 8 orders for 30ft.+ boats.

One of the noticeable qualities of these boats was the gelcoat which back then was considered by many to be the best in the business. The story Todd Kamps who started PP along with Kevin tells is this guy (I forgot his name ) who was the Gel Guru for Slickcraft in Holland, Mi. (which was one of the first boat co.'s to build prod. gel boats and the first prod. co. to put color in the gelcoat) had a argument with Leon Slikkers and packed up his tools. He drove over to PP and said he was looking for a job. Todd was not there but Kevin was and told him they weren't hiring as they were just starting out and had no money. Later when Todd got back to the shop Kevin said this guy came by looking for work. When Kevin said his name Todd almost fainted and picked-up the phone and told him he could start in the morning.

PP was fortunate early on to have a pool of local talent from Chris Craft, Slickcraft, S2 - now Tiara and Pursuit, etc... Here is a pic of the 20yr. gel on my hull - not bad for Black.

woogie

02-06-2010, 04:06 PM

Here are a few Brochure Boats from back then.

powerplay5.7

02-07-2010, 06:07 AM

Woog your always a fountain of knowledge when it comes to this topic.

Do you by any chance have a copy of the original spec sheet. I think ive seen it posted up here before. I know ive seen the one for the baron which is virtually the same.

All great info tho thanks... You have any more history on them? theres not much out there...thanks again

powerplay5.7

02-07-2010, 06:12 AM

BTW woog i do remember when they were advertising the full throttle turn... the marina by us was taking people out for rides to feel the pull.... amazing!!!

At that time jet-boats where the rage where i was, and then the xlt came out and just walked all over everthing on the water......

woogie

02-07-2010, 08:09 PM

5.7 - I have quite a few of the brochures that I need to scan.

One of my neighbors is in a position to inheret xlt hull#3 from his Father this spring who when he heard that a new boat co. had started up in Holland back in 73 drove over there and ordered one right then and there. Kept it since - I have seen it and it's all there and runs great - thru hull exhaust too. The Power Play logo is the old style in script and the hull is a very light grey with dark blue secondary. I just found out this fall that it was hull#3. He told me there is some nice documents with it also so we will see.

Another thing PP did for a little extra touch was to line up every phillips head on their boats. This of course became lore that helped build the local cult following. Anyhow they were proud of this touch and pointed it out at every opportunity.

One of my other neighbors who was a smart *** engineer goes up to the PP Display at the GR show and starts an argument with Todd and Kevin in front of a crowd about how it's the torque on the screw that should determine it's final position. So of course I had to defend the lore so I would always carry a phillips at my dock and make sure he was watching out his window while I made sure the screws were lined up - drove him nuts!!

These boats were built in a pole barn. No way the EPA would allow it now. Everything hand laid and many a week in the mold. When people went there to tour they would ask for masks.

One thing they did was take care of customers back then. Who knows how many seat bases they replaced. Forgot the brand but those bases were molded plastic with threaded plugs mounted in them and when the temp gets in the 90's they get soft. I went through 2 one year- got stuck in a big Cary wake one day and my friend tore the whole seat out when I jumped out of it and landed on top of me. Would just walk in the side door and they had them sitting there - oh hi, your the 8th. person this week.

Here is a pic of the XLT LS - they only made a few of them. Note that huge windshield - bigger than on the Integra.

02-08-2010, 06:07 AM

Keep the info and pics coming Woogie!

Fyhr Factor

02-19-2010, 05:48 AM

What up with the outdrive? Looks like a cone on that thing? Thats not an SS on there is it?

Yup, That's a classic SS Drive, I never saw an after-market cone that shape, and look closely at that skeg, it's an SS alright....:winker:

Well boys, I hope nobody minds I jump in, my ears were ringing but wasn't sure why, but now I know why...someone said XLT.......lol

Great Info Woggie...I've learned a lot info over the years on these boats from many interesting XLT owners such as yourself, what always amazes me is that the story never ends and learn something new every time the XLT is mentioned as time goes bye & I've been saving all these tiny bits & pieces of history on them since I've owned mine...and never get tired reading more about them, so thanks for your contributions to keeping the history alive.

Personally, I find these boats totally amazing, I know that sounds biased, but it's really not, there's something about these boats that I can't explain...or at least don't dare to say publicly...lol.....but I think most that have ever owned these special boats know exactly what I'm talking about...I only wish I could of bought mine brand new just as woggie did..

BTW Woggie, I think the wrap around Italian windshield option could have started in late 1988, because mines an 88 & has it..

Finding an old XLT in excellent condition is so increasing hard to do, most have been messed with in one way or another..so anyone that does come across a creme-puff better ****** it fast..

Yup, they sure are built like a battleship & heavy for their size, but handle hard turns like a Ferrari on rails & are a blast to drive..

Good Luck KG, I hope everything works out for ya!

woogie

02-23-2010, 08:10 PM

Yes the wraparound windshield was around then but not standard -a lot more in 89 and then 90 became standard but you could still get the squared frame. I went with the square as I'm old school but did it in white to update it as the black looked dated if that makes sense. When I first bought the boat I had the windshield done in limo tint - ha.

Actually the windshield was a big plus because I was all set to buy a Donzi 18 but the dealer wouldn't throw in a windshield - it was a 2500.00 option back then and after running the donzi in Lake Mi. the way I drove then I just felt better with a little more freeboard.

In 93 they asked me to be in a feedback group PQ put together to discuss features for a new 38 they were going to build. I said get rid of the windshield's and use fairings - even on the xlt. This did not go over too well and that was the end of my input and that was the end of the xlt. Plus Todd got bought out or some say forced out and Spoelhoff was brought in as partner.

It was a weird time as I was at the 10th anniv. party and there was a rumor that the xlt mold had worn out. Years later I ran into Kevin after he sold the company and asked the real story. Basically he told me people weren't willing to pay what it cost to build the xlt. People weren't willing to pay 30k+ for an 18 ft. boat. When I bought mine I didn't pay retail but the MSRP was 26,750.00. Nowdays I see new Donzi 18's for high 40's. I think there were other reasons like why waste time on the small boats when you can build bigger ones - economies of scale (greed).

I had a Richie Compass and rear seat grab bars in the deal. Those bars were a must if anyone wanted to ride back there and the compass - first week I had it out took 4hrs to get 7 miles back to my lift in Lake Mi. fog. We started a saying then that "if you can hear swimmers talking you know your in too close". haha.

RSCHAP1

02-24-2010, 05:08 AM

4hrs to get 7 miles back to my lift in Lake Mi. fog. We started a saying then that "if you can hear swimmers talking you know your in too close". haha.

:laugher::laugher::laugher:

waterhog2

04-06-2010, 05:57 PM

tdaddy185xlt

04-06-2010, 06:15 PM

hi im looking at buying an xlt-185....does anyone know where i can find a factory spec sheet? also i noticed that someone had mentioned a boat called (boron) i currently own one....what is the diff between the two....i am looking for a boat comparable to the baron for the wife.....how do they compare?

i can scan the one i have when i get home tomorrow. Baron vs.185xlt. Belly fuel tank in baron.185 has tank in the bow and the back seat is moved back farther. sucks to pull the motor out of the 185, gotta pull the exhaust off, spin the motor sideways. damn hatch is about 30" wide to get the motor out of. Other then that i think they are sum what identical.
Have u found any 185s for sale?
Posted via Speedwake Mobile

powerplay5.7

04-06-2010, 10:16 PM

hey woogie you out there? I have a question for ya?

waterhog2

04-06-2010, 10:36 PM

yes theres 1 in st.clair shores......needs a motor

also i found a baron for sale i think he wants to much

waterhog2

04-07-2010, 02:52 PM

thankx for the reply.....on a stock xlt-185 what kinda speed can i expect to get out of a stock one? also what kinda horse power/speed can they handle if i was to pump one up?i got a 450hp smallblock i would like to use....the baron i have has a trs on it and i love it execpt that i need 3ft at idle or i hit bottom with the drive down....

tdaddy185xlt

04-07-2010, 03:45 PM

Stock 260 58-60 mph
425-450 will get u around 70-73
520-540 will get high 70's, maybe 80
My 13.1 428 sbc w/ ss drive gets me 87 or so

Most people who ride in mine are terrified at 75 mph lol
Its a drivers boat at that speed

Just takes money and time..... :o
Posted via Speedwake Mobile

waterhog2

04-07-2010, 04:25 PM

i was just looking at the job that you did on your over the winter...all i can say is "wow"
also u could put "panic zone " on the back of that awsome looking spoiler.......again great looking boat.............

waterhog2

04-07-2010, 04:28 PM

also i have been told that my baron handles diff than the xlt after they made the cockpit larger....ever been a baron to compare the two?

tdaddy185xlt

04-07-2010, 04:46 PM

waterhog2

04-07-2010, 05:32 PM

yea i love the way my baron handles......thats the reason i am trying to find something that handles as close to it as possible.I do like the fact that the cockpit is larger ....i am 6ft4in and when on rare times that i do sit in back....when my 12yr old son wants to drive i have zero leg room....is there room to add fuel tanks on either side of your motor...then mabe put some weight in that locker in the floor?

tdaddy185xlt

04-07-2010, 05:41 PM

Yes space on both sides motor or have one made to be installed in the ski locker in the floor

waterhog2

04-07-2010, 06:07 PM

waterhog2

04-07-2010, 06:15 PM

i am looking at an 83 xlt what r some of the problem areas i should look for .....i know that the boat is 20+years old.....im not sure about any changes they might have made during there run that might be a concern.....any info would be a great help before i jump in feet first....

tdaddy185xlt

04-07-2010, 07:11 PM

i dont know how your boat handles and with all that hp that you r running but i can say that it might be worth your time to make a temp set up and try those changes... My baron tops out about 65-67...but at those speeds i have no problem just cranking the wheel to the left or the right ......now i know that at the speeds your talking about its a hole different animal but it might make your ride at 75 not so harry.....
Makin a.temp fuel tank relocation has always been on mine, i just procrastinate alot lol. the boat was pretty stable with the.standard alpha. Put the ss drive on 2.5" shorter made.it really fun to drive. past fall i went and raised the x another 2". Gonna be fun first time out. My propshaft is 3.375" below the boat. Not much in the water lol

waterhog2

04-07-2010, 07:18 PM

i hind it hard to believe that you think of yourselph as a procrastinater ... i saw the job that you did on your boat.... awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!! if i were to try to tackle a project like that i think the boat would end up in the back 40 as a planter.......lol

tdaddy185xlt

04-07-2010, 07:29 PM

Back 40 lol. It takes me while.to get fhe ball.rollin but once its. Rollin its a 24/7 addiction. Now gettin stuff around the house.is.a whole another conversation lol

waterhog2

04-07-2010, 07:43 PM

its funny i never had no interest in go fast boats as i used to call them untill 2 yrs ago when i got the baron......i also have a 36 hatteras convertible i always said i had no use for a "go fast" but now i cant get enough of them.... dont get me wrong i love my hatt but i think its the size of the baron that i like ....youcan blast around in 0-2 1/2 ft waves and just have a great time........cant wait for summer.........................................

tdaddy185xlt

04-07-2010, 07:51 PM

I wouldnt mind havin the hatteras ! Big pimpin baby. Is it like sports fishin style?

waterhog2

04-07-2010, 08:14 PM

yes tha tripple nickel's in it.......great fishing boat<br>

waterhog2

04-07-2010, 08:15 PM

http://www.speedwake.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=173996&thumb=1 ('http://www.speedwake.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=173996')

waterhog2

04-07-2010, 08:27 PM

what do u think would be a good price to buy a baron for......im looking at a yellow one next week... and have no clue on what they are worth

woogie

04-07-2010, 11:48 PM

hey woogie you out there? I have a question for ya?

Yep I'm here - did I see your xlt on ebay or somewhere for sale?

woogie

04-08-2010, 12:06 AM

panic zone.... I like that :D

Never been in or seen a baron. I would think the baron would handle better cause it had 50 gal+ belly tank in the floor, gets all wieght down low, lower center of gravity. I hate my tank in the bow, 32 gal, definitly affects the boats behavior, I never run it with a full tank... its just a turd LOL! :D:D

Hey now that's a 35 gallon tank in your xlt .... with the way it probably guzzles it doesn't make any diff. - haha . Looking good Daddy - sure it's going to be a wild first ride of the season and hoping to see video. Spare no expense on the prop.

scooter

04-08-2010, 08:43 AM

waterhog2 - where in Harrison Township are you at?

tdaddy185xlt

04-08-2010, 10:39 AM

http://www.speedwake.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=173996&thumb=1 ('http://www.speedwake.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=173996')

no boat pic....Ijust a red X... or is my puter f'ed up

what do u think would be a good price to buy a baron for......im looking at a yellow one next week... and have no clue on what they are worth

I would think they would hold the same ballpark price of the xlt's atleast. I have never seen one for sale and have no idea what they acutally go for .......sorry I can't anwser everything :D

tdaddy185xlt

04-08-2010, 10:52 AM

Hey now that's a 35 gallon tank in your xlt .... with the way it probably guzzles it doesn't make any diff. - haha . Looking good Daddy - sure it's going to be a wild first ride of the season and hoping to see video. Spare no expense on the prop.

35 huh... learn somethin new everyday:). I can go around our lake about 6-7 miles round trip on 5 gals when I am cruising... When we run er hard I swear the gas tank has a hole in it LOL! :eek: I am lookin forward to wrestlin with this biootch goin down the lake :boatboat:. Ran at hardy party last year with my dad and all tools, gear and full fuel, used my uncles bravo 24 prop, was using a 25 labbed laser 13.75 dia.. I did not believe how much better it drove and it still had the torque to pull that prop past 6500 rpm :D I am going to run it before memorial hopefully and see what it does with myself and lightened up. This bravo prop looks like edward sissorhands fixed it LOL! If it works I will probably order a new bravo1 and have it upped to a 25 and labbed.. thats what I am think ofcourse. ;)

I can tell the season is coming.... all this talk about boating and I seem to have started drivin my truck like the boat... everytime i see a whoop or bump.. I floor it and try to jump it.... someone trys to pass me... mat it and blast past em LOL! man I have sum issues dont i LOL! :laugher:

waterhog2

04-08-2010, 04:47 PM

the xlt was on 23 mile out my the fairy ..........

waterhog2

04-08-2010, 04:54 PM

i just wanted to thank everyone for answering some of my questions......the more i look around this site it looks like they have been asked before.This site has been a great help to me. i think im going to try and buy an xlt.That way maybe i can put some of the questions about the diff between the two (xlt vs baron)to rest.....lol i cant wait....

powerplay5.7

04-09-2010, 11:01 AM

Yep I'm here - did I see your xlt on ebay or somewhere for sale?
It was not my boat, I'm hanging on to mine for now. Got to really thinking about it and it makes more sence to just keep it. Its the most affordable powerboating you can do. Sure does seem like there are quite a few more of PP's popping up for sale latley tho.

The reason i contacted you is because im trying to find a replacement dash panel for mine. I know this is probably a real long shot, but i figured if anyone knew of one bieng out there you would.

waterhog2

04-09-2010, 05:20 PM

well guy's just thought i would let you all know since everyone has been so helpfull.....I bought a 83 xlt-185 this afternoon....:pirate: and i believe that i stole it............

powerplay5.7

04-09-2010, 06:09 PM

Yes Sir.....Congrats!

scooter

04-09-2010, 07:52 PM

well guy's just thought i would let you all know since everyone has been so helpfull.....I bought a 86 xlt-185 this afternoon....:pirate: and i believe that i stole it............

Details? Pics?

waterhog2

04-09-2010, 08:38 PM

i got a 1983 trailer and all for 1,400.......needs a motor the one thats in it froze.... over all its in fair shape.....inter good.... but everything on it is stock even down to the raido with a cassette.....oh but the only upgrade i noticed was a stainless prop.........came with a cockpit cover in fair shape also.....

RSCHAP1

04-10-2010, 07:30 AM

Cleaver style prop?
I remember seeing ALOT of xlts with those for sale ...back in the days:)

woogie

04-10-2010, 10:22 AM

im trying to find a replacement dash panel for mine.

I saw some way back in a rack years ago at the old building but now the factory is shut down and no idea who even owns whats left anymore. Someone told me the last owner was who was forclosed on was suing for re-control of the property so will keep an ear up.

Those stock dashboards are personally kind of cheap looking and ugly. I forgot what they were - styrene, lexan, abs, some kind of cheap black plastic. Think the type was stenciled on. If your going to the trouble to take the old one out I would make a new one out of aluminum. I got tired of looking at mine and a few years ago was going to pull it out and here is what I was going to do:

Take the old one for a pattern and have a shop lazer a new one out of aluminum and have it powdercoated . Then have a second panel done for around the gages like a donzi dash in a 2nd color that would sit on top of the main panel. Countersink the mounting holes so the screws would be flush also. Here are a few idea pics I saved .

The guy who did the white one had it done for 45.00 - 10.00 for aluminum, 15.00 powdercoat, 20.00 to have lasered by a Trophy shop. I had so many ideas spinning around that I never got around to doing it and thought I may as well replace all the gauges and go with rocker switches and then a new steering wheel and then ...........

woogie

04-10-2010, 10:27 AM

i got a 1986 trailer and all for 1,400.......needs a motor the one thats in it froze.... over all its in fair shape.....inter good.... but everything on it is stock even down to the raido with a cassette.....oh but the only upgrade i noticed was a stainless prop.........came with a cockpit cover in fair shape also.....

Congratulation! Is the Power Play logo in script style type? Those casette decks they used were Pioneer Supertuners - hot stuff back then-ha. Looking forward to pics.

woogie

04-10-2010, 10:34 AM

used my uncles bravo 24 prop, was using a 25 labbed laser 13.75 dia.. I did not believe how much better it drove and it still had the torque to pull that prop past 6500 rpm :D I am going to run it before memorial hopefully and see what it does with myself and lightened up. This bravo prop looks like edward sissorhands fixed it LOL! If it works I will probably order a new bravo1 and have it upped to a 25 and labbed.. thats what I am think ofcourse. ;)

Dad - wonder how a Merc Racing 3 blade Cleaver would do with that raised X ?

woogie

04-10-2010, 10:40 AM

Cleaver style prop?
I remember seeing ALOT of xlts with those for sale ...back in the days:)

Yep made me think about one on tdaddys set-up. With that X dim of his probably work a lot better than it did for the guys that used them with the stock xlt dim.

tdaddy185xlt

04-10-2010, 11:25 AM

Dad - wonder how a Merc Racing 3 blade Cleaver would do with that raised X ?

I am not sure never tried one. the reason I switched and tried a 4 blade was I have a 13.75" x 25" labbed laser and I get blowout at about 87-88 and the boat does sum violent **** :eek::eek: with a 3 blade prop, gonna be worse now thats it raised another 2" :D

woogie... have you ever had to replace the rubber trim that goes along the frame/glass in the windsheild. I can't really find it anywhere. :mad:

waterhog. Sounds like you did good. Now how bout sum there pics :) Pics of your baron too :D

waterhog2

04-10-2010, 01:16 PM

waterhog2

04-10-2010, 01:52 PM

tdaddy185xlt

04-10-2010, 06:02 PM

the baron is still wraped plan on cutting her free in the next week or so. when i do so i will post some pics....as for the xlt cant make it out to pick it up till next wknd when i get it i will post some pics as well.....one thing i did notice is the headers that everyone seems to be running . whats the best ones to buy dollar for dollar.....

I can pick it up for ya :D:D:D:D I have run the EMI ( eddie marine) exhaust since my first motor. Aluminum manifoldsw/ aluminum risers. Now i run the same manifolds but upgraded to the stainless tube risers. Put the all aluminum emi's on my dads 502 baja. Have not have a problem with either set.

tdaddy185xlt

04-10-2010, 06:07 PM

I can see that im going to have to fill everyone in on a little bit of info about me.For the past 7 years ive owner a cruzer up intill i got the baron a couple of years ago. Now that being said i dont know much about different props,outdrives,ect....I bought this boat so that me and my 12 year old son can have a project so you are going to have to bare with we on some facts about what i got....

as fof the new xlt having a cleaver style prop? i wouldnt know one if it had one.... all i can say is it doesnt look like the normal style 3 blade prop.....it looks how can i say.....more sharper if that makes any since ....

If your callin the Hatteras a cruzer ..your wrong... its BIG PIMPIN :D I still want a pic I love those big sportsfisherman cruzer hugh hefner lookin boats :D Were all around here to help, any questions just post away your thoughts. The prop you talk about... if its a cleaver it looks like... the link below

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mercury-3-Blade-Cleaver-48-89802A-5-21P-Prop-Propeller_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem2c4b5b5c53QQi temZ190242839635QQptZBoatQ5fPartsQ5fAccessoriesQ5f Gear

waterhog2

04-11-2010, 01:05 PM

tdaddyxlt185.......... thankx for the link .that is the prop that on on the new ski......is that the prop that i want to run? i'm thinkin i want to go 70-75 mph max speed i think thats plenty fast enough for me..... for now that is........lol

waterhog2

04-11-2010, 01:27 PM

tdaddy how much will a setup like that set me back.....r we talking thousands here or what............

waterhog2

04-11-2010, 01:31 PM

im not cheep but supporting three boats now i need to kinda keep a budget...............:(

waterhog2

04-11-2010, 01:56 PM

tdaddy.....

do you have the stock motor out of your ship that mabe you might want to sell for a good price to another xlt owner? lol

tdaddy185xlt

04-11-2010, 08:00 PM

tdaddy how much will a setup like that set me back.....r we talking thousands here or what............

To do 70 your gonna need ballpark 425 hp. My first motor was a 383 that i built, boat ran 70.1 gps. To go fast it takes money :D I would think maybe for 3-4 k you can build somethin to get you into the 70's, might take more $$$ though depends on the parts you use. Myself I tend to use the better stuff. With these xlt's I believe it takes 14hp-15hp for every 1mph... just what i have figured out over the years LOL! I am on my 4th built motor for this boat ;)

I have no parts or motors, sorry. ;)

woogie

04-11-2010, 09:21 PM

the rubber trim that goes along the frame/glass in the windsheild.

Its the glazing wedge - the curved windshield on yours is a Taylor Made. You may have to pull some to match up the profile. May have to take the blow dryer to soften after 20 yrs - ha . Look in all 3 areas in the Vinyls section here:
http://www.taylormarine.com/hardware/index.html

USA Marine Windows sells some profiles too: http://www.usamarinewindows.com/12.html

Any good auto glass place can order from Taylor for ya.

woogie

04-11-2010, 09:32 PM

Think this was the 92 brochure boat if anyone is looking: http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/boa/1661254549.html

waterhog2

04-12-2010, 03:42 AM

thankx for your input......i think im going to go stock for this summer so i can run the boat thru its paces.....im going to build a motor in the down time next winter.But im glad to hear that you think i can get where i want to be for 3-4k i thought it was going to have a bigger price tag than that..... 3-4k is do able would like to stay under 4500-5k though......can i run stock out drive......i know nothing about outdrives and the horse power they can handle..... would it be better to buy a long block or peace it together myselph?

tdaddy185xlt

04-12-2010, 06:47 PM

depends on what you feel like doing, I don't trust anybodys work so I peice it together myself. If you feel comfortable runnin a long block from someone so be it. alpha drive from merc was designed for 300 hp not much more. But knock on wood I ran a standard alpha with small blocks around 450-500hp small blocks . I have that alpha as my spare now and I run a alpha ss with this 428 600+ hp small block. I have never did any damage, long as your easy on them the drive will be ok.

tdaddy185xlt

04-12-2010, 06:48 PM

Its the glazing wedge - the curved windshield on yours is a Taylor Made. You may have to pull some to match up the profile. May have to take the blow dryer to soften after 20 yrs - ha . Look in all 3 areas in the Vinyls section here:
http://www.taylormarine.com/hardware/index.html

USA Marine Windows sells some profiles too: http://www.usamarinewindows.com/12.html

Any good auto glass place can order from Taylor for ya.

damn woogie your the man :D we gotta drink sum beer some day :D

waterhog2

04-12-2010, 10:56 PM

Horse power

04-13-2010, 05:10 AM

I was taking a walk in the junk yard by my house and seen this.

tdaddy185xlt

04-13-2010, 08:59 PM

tdaddy if you had it to do over again is there a time where you would just have stopped and said good enough? or would you have just skipped all the b.s and went rite for the set up you have now and skipped all the times in between.......and you said that u are on your third motor anything u would have changed to mabe skip a rebuild .......im not the kinda guy that has to go mac1 with my hair on fire but i would like to go mid 70's.what i really love is a good sounding motor all loped out cruzing thru the hot spots if you know what i mean.... lol

Stopped and said good enough??.. are you crazy I am not even near good enough yet :D:D:D Each motor was a step up from the next, little by little they got bigger. These motors never had many hours 20-25 maybe, always just like to change parts during the winter :D Each year the heads got bigger.. cam got bigger... intake got better... ect it kept going on and on... its a damn addiction :D

and!!!! there is nothing wrong with a guy that wants to go mach1 with his hair on fire!!! I shave my head.. aint nothin catchin on fire on my melon :D:D

but i did get married..... so this could be the last motor ever built by me LOL :laugher:

waterhog2

04-13-2010, 09:29 PM

so has anyone tried to put a big block in these boats? i wonder if the weight would be a problem.......just a thought.....and dont get me wrong i never said theres anything wrong going mac1 im just not at that point in life right now.....I love going fast........but i got my daughter driving now and i need to get her thru collage...... lol kinda like being married:D

tdaddy185xlt

04-16-2010, 11:25 AM

years back i heard a rumor one of the PQ guys had one with a big block/ surface drive that ran mid 80's. but it could have just had been a internet rumor... I have no facts to back it up.

woogie

04-22-2010, 02:05 PM

Must be getting close to time for a Kilo run tdaddy.. nice cool spring air.

I only ever saw one BB xlt and it was back in the early 90's when a half dozen kids with them hung out in the cove inside Saugatuck Harbor. I remember the guy was from Indiana and said it ran 80. It was an alpha BB set-up out of another boat - had an angle iron engine carriage mount and aftermarket exhaust that was loud as hell. Saw it the next season coming out of Holland so it did last more than a season - haha. Sat a little bit lower than normal. Another guy that knew him said he put Aluminum heads on it. He also said there was a hole cut through the back seat cooler for easy cam changes. So if anyone looks at one with a hole in the built in cooler it's probably this boat.

tdaddy185xlt

04-22-2010, 05:06 PM

naa not yet.. put the boat back out in storage at my uncles for a while. Ordered a new steering cable and going to lower my front seats 2-3". Little project I'll start this weekend. Back to work now so I don't have much time to work on anything.

waterhog2

04-26-2010, 06:46 PM

ok ....well just got the new project home yesterday.....now i have a question that mabe someone could help me out with. the boat i bought needs a motor.I found a 400 sbc that is a fresh rebuild the guy i was going to buy it off of said that i need a special flywheel for it and the one off my 260 merc wont work.Does any one know what he is talking about.....he is saying that the 400 had to have balanced flywheels and the one off my 350 wont work.......anyone...........need some help cause i want to get it this weekend but dont want to buy something that i cant use

Red Stripe

04-26-2010, 07:23 PM

is the 400 small block your looking at a marine engine?

waterhog2

04-26-2010, 07:37 PM

im not sure but i dont believe so.....whats the diff

waterhog2

04-26-2010, 07:40 PM

i dont belive so......not sure though....whats the diff

BGIII

04-28-2010, 02:33 PM

anybody ever try a blackhawk drive on a 185XLT?

woogie

04-28-2010, 09:48 PM

i dont belive so......not sure though....whats the diff

hog2 - That 400 is externally balanced and needs a different flywheel and balancer than what you have.

Some of the differences between a typical car engine and a marine engine is the marine engine has a marinized alternator,starter, ignition, etc. all to minimize sparking. Also the fuel system needs to have a flowback from the pump and crankcase ventilation back into flame arrestor. Plus lot of little tweaks like ring to bore clearence, valves, valve seats ,valve guide clearance, gaskets, cam profiles, etc... There are plenty of guy's out there that drop car engines into boats without marinized accessories but if you ever have a fire or file a claim and the ins. co. sends an adjuster out chances are they will stamp the claim non USCG compliant and void.

Even the small things that don't seem important can bite in the long run like ring clearances - a boat is like constantly driving a truck up a 45 degree hill and they
generate much more heat than a car engine making things like pistons and valves expand etc..

So many stories of guys dropping in a car engine and actually running slower with more hp than they had before. Torque is the goal.

What accessories does the present motor that is froze up have on it that you could re-use? Does it have the Thunderbolt ignition? How much work do you want to do? Plenty of places that sell marine spec. sbc long block assemblies to start out with and then build on and add your accessories to. Was the 400 sbc your looking at built as a marine engine?

waterhog2

05-05-2010, 07:07 PM

sorry i havent goten back with you.....thank you for the info....i scraped the 400 idea and got a balanced .030 over 350 set up for marine.....
My next issue is i plan on pulling the motor tomorrow morning...how in the hell do i get the exhaust off?Do i have to take the thru hull ends off of the out side to get the rubber hose off between the mufflers? 2) how much play should i have on my outdrive side to side i can move mine about 2 1/2-3 inches over all left to right but nothing looks warn out? 3)what are good sounding mufflers to run. the motor i have has a good cam in it and i want it loud!!!!!!!!!!!!thankx

tdaddy185xlt

05-05-2010, 07:49 PM

sounds like your making headway now. If you loosen the hose clamps holding the hose onto the tip, then remove the 4 bolts holding the manifold on, then wiggle and pull, the hose should slip off the tip with the manifold. Thats how i do it. :D When you say mufflers, are they in the tips??. Mufflers are your choice... I dont like em:D . have any idea what size cam is in the new motor? On my 185xlt, the motor will not come out straight out. Remove exhaust, get everything unhooked and start lifting. The motor needs to be turned 90 degrees to come out. They didn't make the damn hole big enough LOL!

waterhog2

05-05-2010, 08:00 PM

thank you i never would have thought of that....duh...it kinda looks like there is a muffler between the riser and the thru hull fitting .....its fiberglass

waterhog2

05-05-2010, 08:09 PM

waterhog2

05-05-2010, 08:11 PM

so i can go right from the stock riser out of the boat?

tdaddy185xlt

05-05-2010, 08:15 PM

thank you i never would have thought of that....duh...it kinda looks like there is a muffler between the riser and the thru hull fitting .....its fiberglass

sounds like a inline muffler..... throw it out... :D Just have to buy a longer hose thats it

tdaddy185xlt

05-05-2010, 08:17 PM

so i can go right from the stock riser out of the boat?

should be able to ;)

waterhog2

05-05-2010, 08:17 PM

thats what i wanted to hear.......i hate mufflers whats the since of having thru hull exhaust if its quiet.......i like the way u think....!

waterhog2

05-05-2010, 08:21 PM

thankx i will take some pics tomorrow when im down there and post them....what about my outdrive question?

tdaddy185xlt

05-05-2010, 08:27 PM

motor has 10.1 pistons.... im 10 1 1/2/to 1 pistons in it and im going to put a nice set if iron 76cc heads on it.....i believe we ordered a comp cam exteme marine .....if i remember its somewhere like .480 lift .268 dur i dont want to get to stupid this year....going to build up more over the next winter....just want to run it this summer and kinda put it thru its paces....

I think with that Comp ratio, u better have sum good premium fuel. Was just concerned about the cam, I dont know all the specs, To big of a cam with stock exhaust will cause reversion. and mister we dont want that :eek: I never ran stock exhaust on my boat so I never found out how big was to big LOL! some guys on here will know alot more ;)

tdaddy185xlt

05-05-2010, 08:29 PM

thankx i will take some pics tomorrow when im down there and post them....what about my outdrive question?

ahhhhh all i can say is mine has near the same LOL! I never found anything really worn out. I am replacing the steering cabel this wekend to see if I can take some slop out, but other then that I just close my eyes and grit my teeth when its time to go wreely wreely fast :D

waterhog2

05-05-2010, 08:41 PM

yea i have the same concerns about the exhaust myselph.....i guess if i have to i will spring for a set of eddie marine exaust....someone told me that my gimble bearing was the prob...but that doesnt make any sence.......let me know if it helps .........and by the love your boat....looks tough....did u go with the (panic zone ) saying lol

waterhog2

05-05-2010, 08:51 PM

1 more thing....you never said how the boat was after you changed (x)...what mph did u achieve ?

waterhog2

05-05-2010, 08:59 PM

i hope that with yhe 76cc heads it will tone down the compression a little.....i got motor for 300$ off a guy going thru a divorce and need some quick cash.....he droped a ton of cash into the bottom end.....balanced good rods good pistons....i dont want to change any of that so if i got to run 94. octane so be it...

Fyhr Factor

06-20-2010, 03:26 PM

Well, I for one has been entertained...

T , You are the man, I love your attitude..and the boat...but I'm biased...lol

Woogie, your knowledge is priceless & very appreciated...TY..

Waterhog.....No offense, but seems like your getting in over your head with this project right out the gate...it may be in your best interest to chill on worrying about all the HP, and go for something turn-key reliable for now...and then after get into it deeper later...
Just gotta remember most of us have had experience building HP engines for over 30 years..and were still learning new things all the time...lol

Either way, good luck with it..

Chrisf695

06-21-2010, 09:47 AM

This is crazy but the XLT with the open bow is mine....LOL... i was doing a search on the model and this thread is what came up. I was looking though it and i was like " Thats my boat!!!" funny sh*t!!

streetone01

06-24-2010, 07:18 PM

some amazing info here guys, my father had a conquest up in maine. our marina was a dealer up there and we LOVED that boat. But i always had a thing for the xlt growing up....... so, well, I just bought one , a 1988 yellow and grey, euro windshield, 260 through the hull, seized up tight! gel coat is hammered needs some tlc. It does have an alpha ss drive though and payed 1700 with a nice galvanized trailer. so i dont think it was a bad deal. now i need to fix it up and get it running!

Chrisf695

06-25-2010, 01:45 PM

Just to let you guys all know i am selling my Alpha one SS drive, the upper gears of the drive is no good, but the lower unit is still good to use. Just send me a email if your interested or call me. Thanks!!

Chrisf695@yahoo.com
248-921-1502

Fyhr Factor

06-26-2010, 06:20 PM

streetone01

06-26-2010, 06:52 PM

thats what i was thinking , im just not sure how it performs with the drive. im thinking of just like a 320hp vortec crate motor for it. im wondering if i should sell the drive for a regular alpha? it is set up with a crank mounted water pump for some reason? not sure if it was because the drive didn't move enough water?

streetone01

06-26-2010, 06:53 PM

fear factor where in mass are you? i just noticed you are in mass

tdaddy185xlt

06-27-2010, 08:58 AM

The xlt needs the ss drive. Stock alpha is way too deep. Stock propshaft is like 7.75" below. I put on the ss and also raised the x. I am at 3.375" and i could go higher if i wanted.

Fyhr Factor

06-28-2010, 10:03 PM

fear factor where in mass are you? i just noticed you are in mass

I bounce around all over the place, but I'm mostly in western & central mass..
Local lakes & get to the Ct. river from anywhere I can north of the Holyoke Dam, which the river is the best because I can let her rip for long distances....check out my many vids in the microboat section & see if you recognize any of the scenery ...

I have a regular alpha on mine, it's what came with it, and it's fine for my purposes, but If I did have an SS drive, I'd surely keep it...

T Daddys boat is a beast & needs the SS, whereas mine is just a little pussycat ...lol

streetone01

06-30-2010, 05:13 PM

when i get the motor in the boat ill send you a pm, maybe we can get together and blas two xlt's around for a couple hours!

Chrisf695

07-08-2010, 12:07 PM

Hey guys, i need some advice on where to begin with prop size now that i no longer have the Alpha SS and replace it with a reg alpha one. As of now i have a 25 pitch Laser II, and its alot hard to get on plane from before, its crazy how that SS made a difference.

My Integra is running a chevy 350 that is modified, my mechanic says its running around 350-375 hp. What sucks is that i'm not really sure what the rated RPM is rated now for this thing. I have no contact with the guy i bought it from to give me a idea on it. I'm thinking about a 14.25 X 21, but dont want to over rev the engine and blow it.

Any advice or suggestions would be helpful.

Thanks!

streetone01

07-08-2010, 07:18 PM

why did you get rid of the alpha ss? were you running the 25 pitch laser 2 on the ss? how did it work out with that drive? i should be running similar horsepower to you and I have an SS drive so im curious about your prop. Is your boat for sale on craigslist? http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/boa/1832306808.html

Fyhr Factor

07-09-2010, 05:05 PM

@ Chris,

The 21 will work, but would rev too much with your hp.

Try a large dia 3B- 23"p

It's best to have a dyno sheet on your engine, then from that, you can determine where your WOT should be....

Stock run @ 4600-4800....rpm
Modified can run much higher depending on how it's built.

Chrisf695

07-12-2010, 09:43 AM

Yeah it was for sale. But after taking some time to think about it, I'm going to hang on to her. Alot of people seem to want this boat, so it made me think that it has something about it.

To be honest, the reason for selling it i was really nervous about the engine and didnt know how long it would last. So my uncle told me to get a compression test done on it, and had it done yesterday. The lowest was 149 and the highest was 154. The guy said the engine was just fine, and with only 500hrs on he said there was plenty of life in it still.

Anyways i'm going to try a 14.25 X 23 and see what happens.

Thanks for the info guys!!

Chrisf695

07-12-2010, 09:48 AM

oh yeah forgot, i got rid of the SS becuase i blew the gears in the top of the outdrive and couldnt afford to fix it. So i got a really good price on a alpha one and threw that on. The 25p was amazing on the SS and would totally recommend it. Hope this helps

streetone01

07-18-2010, 08:27 AM

how big of a difference was it from the alpha to the SS?

streetone01

07-18-2010, 11:47 AM

baron for sale on cl
http://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/boa/1842582598.html

Chrisf695

07-18-2010, 12:10 PM

The SS added about 3-5mph on the top end. If you have the extra $$... get one. Its worth it. But you will have to re-prop the boat.

streetone01

07-18-2010, 12:15 PM

my xlt came with one, i just need to put a motor in it

Chrisf695

07-18-2010, 12:35 PM

ill sell you my 25p prop if you want. Its in great condition, and worked perfect with the SS. Its a Laser II 14.25x25

streetone01

07-20-2010, 05:15 PM

i sent you pm chris

streetone01

08-01-2010, 08:16 PM

anyone know what prop a xlt-185 came with stock with a 350 magnum"?? i just bought another one from Michigan, this one runs

tdaddy185xlt

08-01-2010, 08:50 PM

Mine had a 21 pitch mirage on it when i bought it. worked great with the stock motor

streetone01

08-01-2010, 09:01 PM

21p mirage, great thanks, still have it? I just got back from mi 34hr round trip to pick up my new xlt and im ready to go, it has a cleaver prop on it now and the guy said it planes off slow

tdaddy185xlt

08-01-2010, 11:31 PM

Well lets see some pics! I no longer have that prop that was almost ten yrs ago lol

RSCHAP1

08-02-2010, 04:43 AM

I know alot of xlt's I have looked at over the years had cleavers on 'em way back when. I always assumed a Mirage would have been about the best for them, but cleavers were popular back in the day wether they worked or not. Neighbor had a 21 Donzi with a cleaver and it sounded like a slippery clutch at work. LOTS of noise and rpms w/o much speed. Change to a 3 blade round ear (maybe a Mirage but not sure) and it ran way faster and sounded like it had to "work" alot less.

streetone01

08-03-2010, 12:18 PM

Posted via Speedwake Mobile

streetone01

08-03-2010, 12:21 PM

I'll get some pix of it tdaddy. To add to my frustration I took it out last night for her maiden voyage, idled out of the channel, it sounded awesome and I was grinning ear to ear, went to plane off after hitting about 10 miles an hour the nose dove down and the Rpms shot up. Think I blew the Hub out in the cleaver! Two seconds into my first trip. Now I'm trying to still explain to the wife why it was worth driving to mi to purchase lol
Posted via Speedwake Mobile

Chrisf695

08-04-2010, 08:41 AM

New Pics... Enjoy...

The 23 Mirage is really working out great too, its getting me on plane much faster and still hitting 68mph gps. So i'm happy!!

tdaddy185xlt

08-04-2010, 10:06 AM

Pics look great. At that time I had around 410-420 hp to run 70 gps. I was using the same 23 mirage lab finished with that motor.

Have any more pics of the hatch candy? Lol

Chrisf695

08-04-2010, 10:33 AM

Thanks man, and that hatch candy is my wife. She loves the boat more then i do i think. But she doesnt have to battle with all the up keep of it.

Chrisf695

08-04-2010, 01:00 PM

Heres some sound with those pics

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVX8J1tEao8

RSCHAP1

08-05-2010, 05:04 AM

An open 185 pulling tubers out on our lake last night. Still looking REAL good.

streetone01

08-06-2010, 08:20 AM

Took the new boat out with the new prop, thanks tdaddy the mirage 21p worked great. It's a 350mag I think it needs a tuneup. Has a nice qudrajet bog when I hit it. 55gps with two peoe and a half tank of god knows what for fuel. Anyone else have a problem with their xlt hoping up and down when trimmed out at wot? It was bouncing pretty good on glass water at 55 if I trimmed it more it would chime walk. Any ideas? I'm new to this!
Posted via Speedwake Mobile

Chrisf695

08-06-2010, 09:16 AM

Yeah i've had the same problem since i switched from the ss to the reg alpha one. You really need to trim it alot to stop that bouncing. I'm using a 23 mirage also.

tdaddy185xlt

08-06-2010, 09:23 AM

Mine always had a porpoise issue. Goes away with a good amount of trim.. was also famous for chinewalkin.. alot hp.solved that issue lol

streetone01

08-06-2010, 09:38 AM

Yes I'm using a 21p I don't have the up a spin a 23... Yet. What is done to your engine chris? Your at the power level I am interested in being at. I have a ss drive on my other xlt I may try it I'm not sure yet. And yes tdaddy i had it chimewalking like a son of a bitch yesterday.
Posted via Speedwake Mobile

Chrisf695

08-06-2010, 09:51 AM

Well i bought the boat with the Mods done to it, and i havent had a chance to have someone take a look and see whats been done. The guy i bought it off had said it was turning out about 350-375hp. But just me looking at it from the outside i can tell you it has a 850 hollly carb, eddlebrock cam intake, the lower end has been done also. I was hitting 73 on gps when i had the SS on and with a 25 laser. But now its only going 67-68 gps. Dont get me wrong thats fast enough for me.

But lately i have been having some overheating issues, it got up to 245 degrees last week and that scared the sh*t out of me and had a compression test done and the numbers where still good(low 150, high 160). thought i blew a head gasket. I'm thinking its the impeller, but havent had time to change it, the C pump was taken out when i took off the SS and put the Reg alpha on. What a headache when your not that mechanically inclined.

streetone01

08-06-2010, 10:22 AM

And it didn't bounce with the ss drive? I may have put it on then. I would love to get 68 out of mine. I just wonder how it will go with a mild 383 9.0:1 setup
Posted via Speedwake Mobile

Chrisf695

08-06-2010, 10:34 AM

Put the SS drive on for sure, the XLT needs it. Its a different boat with it on.

streetone01

08-06-2010, 12:38 PM

Did yours get hot with the ss ever? I heard they don't cool as well?
Posted via Speedwake Mobile

Chrisf695

08-06-2010, 02:43 PM

The boat came with a C pump installed on the boat, which cooled it just as good. I was more worried about sucking up sand and what not with that though. But never had any problems.

streetone01

08-06-2010, 02:50 PM

a c pump? is that a crank mounted water pump

Chrisf695

08-06-2010, 03:02 PM

Im not totally sure, i know it was seperate from the engine and flowed into it. You might want to do some investigating on it.

streetone01

08-08-2010, 08:30 AM

here is a couple bad cell phone pictures, ill try to get some today on the lake
http://i426.photobucket.com/albums/pp343/streetone01/xlt-185/photo-5.jpg
http://i426.photobucket.com/albums/pp343/streetone01/xlt-185/photo-4.jpg

Chrisf695

08-08-2010, 11:11 AM

Wow, the boat looks great man! I wish mine was that clean....

streetone01

08-08-2010, 11:25 AM

Thanks for 4900 I couldn't turn it down. Was a one owner with 560 hours on it. I'm very happy with it. Sitting in the lake right now!
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Chrisf695

08-09-2010, 09:43 AM

woogie

08-09-2010, 07:22 PM

Thanks for 4900 I couldn't turn it down. Was a one owner with 560 hours on it. I'm very happy with it. Sitting in the lake right now!
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That's the most beautiful XLT color combo if I do say so myself - haha. Street - just found your pm.

woogie

08-09-2010, 07:30 PM

Is it a real bitch to redo the ski locker? The edges of my are all soft and i cant take it anymore, i thought about having someone do it for me but i'm kinda a hands on kind of a guy. The bow is getting new upholstery done this winter and new carpet too. Nothing like a winter project i guess...

You have the plywood and carpet one ? What a terrible design. Depending on how far the softness goes I have seen guy's just enlarge it and put in better reinforcment strips underneath If you re-carpeting that's the time to do it. I never put ski's in mine but do have a pair of aluminum paddles mounted in it - haha.

Chrisf695

08-09-2010, 07:40 PM

yup, thats the design and its horrible. i talked to a guy that does interior and he suggested that to just cut about 3-5 inches out and just redo the thing in a better way. New carpet also will be going in for the price of 600-800 he said. That a bad price?

streetone01

08-09-2010, 07:54 PM

thanks woogie, i couldn't be happier with the boat. i put about 5 hours on it so far. i think it needs a tune up, with the 21p mirage on it now i get about 56gps out of it

woogie

08-12-2010, 05:40 PM

thanks woogie, i couldn't be happier with the boat. i put about 5 hours on it so far. i think it needs a tune up, with the 21p mirage on it now i get about 56gps out of it

You got all that old Hessel fuel run through it? haha. What is rpm at 56gps?

streetone01

08-12-2010, 07:14 PM

I think old gas was or is part of the problem. I filled it with 93, put about 22 gallons in to offset the old fuel. It ran a lot better and was not bogging as bad when i hit the throttle. 56 on gps was at anywhere from 4600-4900 depending on trim, but at that point it wasnt changing in speed?? what is a 350 mag good for? maybe 60 at the most?

tdaddy185xlt

08-12-2010, 07:19 PM

best my did stock was 58... that was too slow for me LOL! :D

streetone01

08-12-2010, 07:25 PM

was it a magnum 350? or the 260?
i think there was only a 10 hp difference

tdaddy185xlt

08-12-2010, 07:41 PM

350 mag...

tdaddy185xlt

08-12-2010, 07:41 PM

350 mag

raizorsedge

08-12-2010, 07:54 PM

350 mag

Tdaddy, did you get your pilots license for that thing yet or are you keeping it in the water!! LOL

tdaddy185xlt

08-13-2010, 07:10 AM

No pilots license needed.. i have a mentel license that says i dont have to. I probably can classify it as a hovercraft lol

Fyhr Factor

09-02-2010, 02:16 PM

what is a 350 mag good for? maybe 60 at the most?

My 350 mag does 64+, per the GPS....

It's been said in the past, that the 350 power gets approx. 58 - 62 mph..

My engine appears stock, but I never tore into it to see what's lurking inside it, so who knows.....when I bought it, the previous owner told me he bought it from a merc mechanic that supposedly tweaked it, whatever that means......lol

It didn't matter to me since I loved the boat the 1st time I saw & heard it, not to mention the boat is fast enough to kill me as it is, but faster would be nice too...:laugher:

streetone01

09-02-2010, 02:28 PM

I have gotten 57 so far, it is the original motor with 570 hours and it possibly needs a tune up. I will wait till spring to tune it up. I doubt it will see 64 like this though. What prop are you running? I have a 22p mirage. I have another alpha as drive coming my way that I want to try. I'm going to build a mild mannered 400+ hp small block. I'd like to see high 60's. I'll only do fresh water with mine but we should meet up sometime
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