specs

DouglasMB

New Member
Apr 22, 2012
131
Eastern NC
Boat Info
1981 sea ray 255 amberjack
Engines
2 185 mercruiser
I have 2 merc 485 I/O on my AJ 255

where could I find specs on it so see about how fast it should run at what RPM? I was testing it out a bit last night and I just want to know if it is where it should be or if I need to mess with the trim a bit. It's not essential just after reading other threads on here I thought it would be good info to have. At about 3500-3600 cruising I think I was right about 30mph according to the GPS on my phone.
 
Is this your engine??

Manufacturer: Mercruiser
Model: "Model 485, 485, 224ci, 3.7L"
Year: 1982
Horsepower: 185.0
Cylinders: 4
Type: 4 stroke
Gear Ratio: 1.7:1
Min WOT RPM: 4000
Max WOT RPM: 4600
Spline Count: 15
Drive Type: Sterndrive

Not sure if anyone who doesnt have a similar boat can give a good answer. Engine condition, Hull, weight, loading, trim, weight distrobution all effect speed and the rpm's needed to get to that speed. Too many variables! A gas flow meter will do this for you very accurately.
 
Last edited:
Is this your engine??

Manufacturer: Mercruiser
Model: "Model 485, 485, 224ci, 3.7L"
Year: 1982
Horsepower: 185.0
Cylinders: 4
Type: 4 stroke
Gear Ratio: 1.7:1
Min WOT RPM: 4000
Max WOT RPM: 4600
Spline Count: 15
Drive Type: Sterndrive

Not sure if anyone who doesnt have a similar boat can give a good answer. Engine condition, Hull, weight, loading, trim, weight distrobution all effect speed and the rpm's needed to get to that speed. Too many variables! A gas flow meter will do this for you very accurately.


yes that is it... I have 2 of those... I was just wondering if I was about where I should be or if I should play with the trim a bit... I really know nothing about this so i am trying to learn I would hate to just leave it then 2 months from now someone say... "ya know... you really should have blah blah blah and you would have gotten a lot more out of it."
 
ohh... and I see the WOT spec all the time in different posts... but I have yet to do that, I am a bit scared to with it being an older boat even with semi freash engines... I just get it to plane and then run it between 3500-3800
 
When you trim you will hear the engine noise change if you trim out to far the boat will porpoise (nose will Bounce) you will also notice speed fall off and rpms spike a little from prop cavitation just bump the trim back down don't be afraid of playing with your trim it's the best way to learn the quirks of your specific boat just have fun
 
When you trim you will hear the engine noise change if you trim out to far the boat will porpoise (nose will Bounce) you will also notice speed fall off and rpms spike a little from prop cavitation just bump the trim back down don't be afraid of playing with your trim it's the best way to learn the quirks of your specific boat just have fun

As a relatively new boater myself (4years), I will suggest you take extra caution while adjusting the trim. Your boat may handle dramatically different at different trim angles. Until you get used to, and know how the boat reacts to the changes, just an extra ounce of caution never hurt anyone. Make slow or minor changes and use your eyes to pay close attention to the bow of the boat. Use your ears to listen to the engine, while monitoring your RPMs & speed along the way.

Since you will be spreading your attention around on trim, speed, rpms & how the thing is feeling, take someone with you to help "lookout" for other traffic & water conditions. Again just suggestions from one new guy to an even newer guy. Be safe & good luck on your trip.
 
As a relatively new boater myself (4years), I will suggest you take extra caution while adjusting the trim. Your boat may handle dramatically different at different trim angles. Until you get used to, and know how the boat reacts to the changes, just an extra ounce of caution never hurt anyone. Make slow or minor changes and use your eyes to pay close attention to the bow of the boat. Use your ears to listen to the engine, while monitoring your RPMs & speed along the way.

Since you will be spreading your attention around on trim, speed, rpms & how the thing is feeling, take someone with you to help "lookout" for other traffic & water conditions. Again just suggestions from one new guy to an even newer guy. Be safe & good luck on your trip.

4 years seems seasoned compaired to 4 days lol ok ok I exaggerate a little I launched the boat Sat. so its been 6 days :) thanks again for all your help and patience...
 

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