MacGregorSailors.com

Per-emptivel mod strike against another legal debate on this....



Lots of existing threads on this already for the innocent

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In fresh water we have lots of slime. I'm resisting Anti Foulant paint, but losing the argument. In fresh water the slime is coming off, but it's a PITA.

--Russ[/quote]

Russ, I have used VC-17 on my previous boats and currently use Interlux Micron Extra on my X. The VC seemed faster than no paint while the Micron is more durable. I could touch up either paint with a small roller.

The performance aspect of the bottom paint shows up in mid season when other Xs on the lake need a haircut and mine is still clean and smooth. I took mine out last week and it was slightly discolored at the WL but totally free of lake slime--10 years of bottom paint as good as new w/annual touch-ups. The water temp at 8,150' is 55* spring/fall, 64* mid summer and I push 14 knts ballasted, 15 empty.

Bob

I too have the mercury 50. 1998 model. My 26x is 1997. With about 400 lbs of people on board and empty tanks I get 9 kts.

Previous owner decreased the prop pitch. I have tried both props but no difference.

The engine carbs were rebuilt 6 months ago. The boat store says the engine is good.

The rpm shows 4500. That's wot

So we have the same problem. I am a little upset that I didn't do sea trials. I will next time I get a boat. I always did with bigger non trailer boats..

So really have given up. I don't have enough money for a 90 hp but sure sounds good!

Ok, I have a 97 Mac 26X with a 50 HP mercury - non-bigfoot.

Per the manual, WOT should max at 6,000 - with a restrictor at 6120.

You are using the wrong size prop. Try 12 x 8 or so.

MarkSouth wrote:I too have the mercury 50. 1998 model. My 26x is 1997. With about 400 lbs of people on board and empty tanks I get 9 kts.

Previous owner decreased the prop pitch. I have tried both props but no difference.

The engine carbs were rebuilt 6 months ago. The boat store says the engine is good.

The rpm shows 4500. That's wot

So we have the same problem. I am a little upset that I didn't do sea trials. I will next time I get a boat. I always did with bigger non trailer boats..

So really have given up. I don't have enough money for a 90 hp but sure sounds good!

I already have the 12x8 prop.
Maybe the rpm guage doesn't work properly, but I only get 4700 rpm

bscott wrote:Russ, I have used VC-17 on my previous boats and currently use Interlux Micron Extra on my X. The VC seemed faster than no paint while the Micron is more durable. I could touch up either paint with a small roller.

I'm considering going with VC-17 on my boat. Can you tell me why you moved away from it?

mastreb wrote:

bscott wrote:Russ, I have used VC-17 on my previous boats and currently use Interlux Micron Extra on my X. The VC seemed faster than no paint while the Micron is more durable. I could touch up either paint with a small roller.

I'm considering going with VC-17 on my boat. Can you tell me why you moved away from it?

I didn't have a choice as the PO used it--so--I cleaned it up and still using it.

I had VC-17 on 3 previous boats that were bare bottomed. Used an epoxy barrier coat, then the VC.
The VC is great 'cause you can touch it up and sail away in less than 1/2 hr and the touch up blends in perfectly. It produces a shark skin texture that separates the water from the hull. It does not like pressure washing or hard brush scrubbing or trailering--thus the need for touch-ups. A throw away small roller works best. If you have a need for speed, GO VC

Bob

I had a similar issue with my 1996 Honda BF50 engine and it turned out to be low/improper fuel pressure/flow. The culprit was the line from the gas tank to the engine had collapsed and looked like it was pinched permanently when I cut at the pinched section.

May not be your exact issue, but based on the thread, my guess is a fuel flow/pressure issue. Test with a straight run from the tank to the engine using new hose/connectors and change the fuel filter in the engine.

My speed went from about 10mph to 17mph at 6000 rpm with empty ballast using a 3 Blade 11.75 x 10 prop with 3 people and 24 gallons of fuel on board.

So it's not the prop.

Try troubleshooting your engine - somethings wrong.

MarkSouth wrote:I already have the 12x8 prop.
Maybe the rpm guage doesn't work properly, but I only get 4700 rpm

So I pulled out today after three months in the water with no antifouling, and sure enough I had a whole ecosystem going on. Took a pressure washer to which got most of it off cleanly, but their were barnacles that damaged the gelcoat. The interesting thing is that the pressure washer itself was not damaging the gelcoat, but the barnacles would take the gelcoat off with them when they came off--relatively easily. I think they are damaging the gelcoat and weakening it where they attach.

In any case, I've now have to have the boat bottom painted, and I need some recommendations. I'll post a new threat about that.