180 Bow Rider Thread... Questions & Answers or just chat!

I borrowed a 21p (aluminum) from a neighbor so I'll try that first then the 1p (SS) and see what that does. This still has me perplexed. I'm wondering if the O/D gearing is different from standard. I can't see the serial number on the O/D because the stupid label is worn away.
 
My gear ration is 1.81. You would have to have the drive off, but could check it by turning the input shaft one turn and checking. Call SeaRay, they can tell you exactly was was put in the boat. I would be suprised if it has the wrong ratio unless someone has worked on it. The 21P, which should be 14.25 x 21 should put you right in the WOT range of 4400-4800 probably a little over. If it doesn't, I would start checking, and I am assuming it is carbureted:

Fuel flow - separator filter, carburetor inlet filter for any restriction. Even that little 4.3 needs a lot of fuel at WOT.
Make sure throttle is opening completely at WOT - disconnect the cable and check it, simple adjustment if not.
A good carburetor cleaning would not hurt - I hate recommend a rebuild unless you are having definite carburetor problems.

Check timing - there is a special procedure for it that requires putting it in base timing mode - time is 8 or 10deg BTDC, should be on the flame arrestor sticker.
Check tuneup items: plugs, wires, distributor cap and rotor.
I once had an odd thing where I put a new rotor on and last 300rpm, put the old one back on it was fine. Got another new rotor and all was well, go figure.

Other than not reaching WOT is it running ok otherwise - any surging etc.

Oh, and glad to see you over here at CSR, I spend more time here now - hate to see Boater Ed dying a slow death.
 
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Bill,
Yeah, BE is suffering atrophy. As to my boat, other than the WOT issue it seems to be running fine. Timing may be a tad off or I have it filled with sub-par gas (87 octane) because I am getting some dieseling when I shut it down. So, I'll try the new prop and some octane booster first. Regardless, this boat is like a Porsche after the old Wellcraft!
 
Yeah, I'm very happy with my 185, it is has been a great boat all around. So regarding the dieseling, that is common on these engines, a couple of things:

- Most likely to happen when shutting down after a higher speed run - ie no idle time before shutting down.
- Make sure you have the right spark plug (AC-MR43LTS, gap .045).
- Make sure timing and idle are correct (10deg BTDC and 650rpm in neutral)
- Make sure the throttle is shutting completely, may have to adjust cable. Tends to keep throttle plate open just slightly and fuel drips into intake after shutdown. Cylinders are still hot, so she keeps running!
 
BTW, the lack of sufficient idle before shutdown makes sense because I put it on our jet dock and it takes some extra throttle to get it up there. I'll try leaving the drive down and idle it longer after jumping on he dock and see what that does.
 
anyone using a Solas Amita 4, this is an aluminum 4-blade. Im thinking of getting a 14.5 x 17" pitch. I currently have 19" SS getting 4100 rpm wot.
I use one on my 1988 Seville with a 175 Mecruiser. Good ski pull and easier to keep a steady speed for wakeboarding. A good economy option.
 
Interesting thing regarding the drive gear ratio. Was looking at the SeaRay parts manual for my 185, they list a different gear ration on the outdrive for the carbureted vs MPI engines:

4.3L ALPHA ( 190 PHP ) MCM STERN DRIVE
1076918 OUTDRIVE UNIT, MERC ALPHA 1.81:1
1532795 S/D, MERC 190HP 4.3L TPM ALPHA

4.3L MPI ALPHA ( 220 PHP ) MCM STERN DRIVE
1090869 OUTDRIVE UNIT, MERC ALPHA 1.62:1
499798 PROP, 13.75"X 21" VENGEANCE RH
1644970 S/D, MERC 220HP 4.3L MPI TPM ALPHA

That seems strange, mine definitely has a 1.81:1 drive on it (190hp carbureted).
 
Have you or any other 185ers used a quicksilver nemesis or mercury spitfire four blade aluminum prop? Thanks
 
I'm using the Nemesis 4 blade on my 205 Sport with 5.0 alpha 1. Lost about 4 MPH off of the top end. Much better hole shot. Better low speed handling. Best of all it stays on plane at a lower speed. Overall I was pleased with the switch from the stock 3 blade.


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Thanks for the info on the nemesis 4 blade.Did you stay with the same pitch or drop down ?
 
I went from a 21 inch pitch to a 19 inch pitch on the 4 blade. With the 3 blade I was right in the middle of the recommended rpm range. Now with the 4 blade I'm at the top of the range.


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Thanks for the info.I'm going to pick one up this winter.
 
hi all, anyone put a boat camper on their searay? i have a full enclosure....but you kinda have to be seated or bent over as you walk :)
 
Doesn't look like much activity here, but I will give it a shot. First time boat/owner here, looking for a place to learn the basics and my boat. It's an oldie, which is what I want while I "learn". 1991 Bowrider 180. The motor is in good condition, the boat in fair condition. Took it out for the first time this weekend, my first time being in charge as well. (Hubby was there for "support," but too nervous to touch the wheel at all). So, if anyone has advice or can point me to other forums for newbies or owners of my boat model, I would be most grateful!
 
Have reached out to your local Power squadron? They offer great classes for beginners. Highly recommend. And welcome!
 
. First time boat/owner here, looking for a place to learn the basics and my boat. So, if anyone has advice or can point me to other forums for newbies or owners of my boat model, I would be most grateful!

Up here, there's no such thing as classes, it's learn as you go. Practise and practise some more. (We do need a boaters license though). My wife never drove the boat, which also meant I lost out on the water sports and was a PITA when time to load by myself.. So she started in the middle of the lake with nobody around. I showed her the basic mechanics, what the trim does, read the gauges / alarms, etc. When the lake got busy, she'd get a little nervous, but told her anytime she felt pressured or uncomfortable, just stop and we'll carry on, no big deal. After a couple years, she now does great, drives quite often when pulling tubes and skiers. She even loads the boat onto the trailer.
Next thing is getting her to back the trailer down the ramp, but hey, I guess one thing at a time.
 

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