2012 searay 185ls with 3.0 merc

[Cory Tanner]

My hole shot is sluggish and my max speed is 38mph. Not exactly dissatisfied, yet would like to spend money for better performance. What is the best prop for this boat? Does a carb upgrade actually add power to this engine? My max speed seems to be reached at about 4000 rpm, although it'll Rev to 4700 without much gain in speed. Cruising speed at 3200rpm is about 25, but it'll loose plane easily. Advice? Towing a wakeboarder feels like dragging a dead cow out of the water.

 

[BillK2632]

The short answer is, you not going to get much more out of that engine. It's probably one of the most durable Mercruiser engines built, based off the old GM 4 cylinder, it will run forever, cheap to work on etc. It is a great all around package for a small boat, but it is not at all a rocket, stepping up to the 4.3 V6 in these boats makes a world of difference. While a very good engine, it's still a 135hp 4 cylinder engine. Assuming the engine is tuned and running properly, at 4700rpm your close to where you should be in terms of pitch, maybe a little high, you should be able to hit 4800rpm - you probably have a 19" propeller. You could go down in pitch, it would add RPM, reduce your top speed, but might give you a better hole shot - going up in pitch will reduce your WOT RPM, give you a little more top speed, lower planning speed, but worse hole shot. I used aluminum props even on my 185 with a 4.3, don't waste money on a SS for this engine, you can buy 2 aluminum and switch around for the price of one SS.
As far as fiddling with the carburetor - no - the 2bbl Mercarb is about as good as it will get on that motor -- BUT, I thought by 2012 the 3.0 was MPI?
The one thing other than try a couple of different propellers, you might consider smart tabs, they can do wonders on small boats. Other than that, spend your money a bigger boat with a bigger engine.

 

[Scott215]

My Larson 3.0 would top out over 40 but was a pig out of the hole That was an 07 carbed 3.0 gl all stock

 

[Stee6043]

My hole shot is sluggish and my max speed is 38mph. Not exactly dissatisfied, yet would like to spend money for better performance. What is the best prop for this boat? Does a carb upgrade actually add power to this engine? My max speed seems to be reached at about 4000 rpm, although it'll Rev to 4700 without much gain in speed. Cruising speed at 3200rpm is about 25, but it'll loose plane easily. Advice? Towing a wakeboarder feels like dragging a dead cow out of the water.

I don't have anything to offer but your last sentence made me chuckle. Good luck in your quest for more pep...

 

[Cory Tanner]

The short answer is, you not going to get much more out of that engine. It's probably one of the most durable Mercruiser engines built, based off the old GM 4 cylinder, it will run forever, cheap to work on etc. It is a great all around package for a small boat, but it is not at all a rocket, stepping up to the 4.3 V6 in these boats makes a world of difference. While a very good engine, it's still a 135hp 4 cylinder engine. Assuming the engine is tuned and running properly, at 4700rpm your close to where you should be in terms of pitch, maybe a little high, you should be able to hit 4800rpm - you probably have a 19" propeller. You could go down in pitch, it would add RPM, reduce your top speed, but might give you a better hole shot - going up in pitch will reduce your WOT RPM, give you a little more top speed, lower planning speed, but worse hole shot. I used aluminum props even on my 185 with a 4.3, don't waste money on a SS for this engine, you can buy 2 aluminum and switch around for the price of one SS.
As far as fiddling with the carburetor - no - the 2bbl Mercarb is about as good as it will get on that motor -- BUT, I thought by 2012 the 3.0 was MPI?
The one thing other than try a couple of different propellers, you might consider smart tabs, they can do wonders on small boats. Other than that, spend your money a bigger boat with a bigger engine.

Thanks for the info! I think it is an MPI. I haven't worked on the engine much yet. It starts well and runs well, so I haven't seen the point. I think I will try a couple different props and see if it helps. Is the engine too small for one of those double props? Would a 4 blade at a lower pitch make any sense?

 

[Cory Tanner]

My Larson 3.0 would top out over 40 but was a pig out of the hole That was an 07 carbed 3.0 gl all stock

Thanks! That seems to be the concensus. Lower pitch, more pop out of the hole, but slower top end. I was hoping that a double prop, or some such may help, yet... Seems I should be satisfied with what I have. Still a fun boat, fast enough to pull a skier, and quite good on gas. Just not very peppy.

 

[Cory Tanner]

I don't have anything to offer but your last sentence made me chuckle. Good luck in your quest for more pep...

Glad to give a chuckle!

 

[Scott215]

I'm glad you're happy with it You could always try a 17 pitch and see if you like it

 

[Scott215]

If you can go to your boat and turn your key wait 5 seconds and then start your boat without touching the throttle it's more than likely EFI if you have to pump it a few times it's carbureted

 

[Cory Tanner]

If you can go to your boat and turn your key wait 5 seconds and then start your boat without touching the throttle it's more than likely EFI if you have to pump it a few times it's carbureted

Most likely efi. It starts great.

 

[Cory Tanner]

I'm glad you're happy with it You could always try a 17 pitch and see if you like it

Think a 17 4 blade is worth while? Ever try one of those double props?

 

[Golfman25]

Think a 17 4 blade is worth while? Ever try one of those double props?

you can't do a duo prop. You don't have the drive for it. Start looking for a boat with a larger engine. You'll clearly want it eventually.