Before Posting, Please Read Our Posting Guidelines Below.
1. Use the full 4 digit year for everything you are asking your question about. Example: 1962, 1988, 2000, 2011 2. Include the correct name of your Whaler model. Example: Montauk 17, Montauk 170, Outrage 26, Outrage 260 3. Include the length when necessary. Example: 16, 17, 18, 20, 22 4. Do not post your email address anywhere on this site as it is already in your user profile.
I am on the fence considering purchasing a 31 with 454 crusaders. She is in pretty good shape and priced below low end of NADA. Is there a retrofit for the balance issues i have read about on the early models? I was able to track down the OEM propolsion and performance data for which shows 20.8-kt, at 3000-RPM and 23.4-GPH. Is this for real? Does anyone have recommendations for carburetor, propeller or other modifications to increase speed and/or fuel economy?
I do not have info on the 31 Whaler however, our family had a 32' Wellcraft St Tropez with twin 454 Mercruisers (340 hp per). The engines saw there best economy to speed ratio at 3200 - 3300 rpm which got us 32- 33 mph. That would net us just about 1 mpg or 32 gph. funny how that all worked out. We also ran high pitched props the large amounts of cupping. Those engine have the torque to run them.
If you are getting the boat on the cheap the only way I can think of getting better economy is to repower with EFI gas or make the switch and go diesel.
Edited by Jeff on 01/12/07 - 10:59 AM
1993 23' Walkaround Whaler Drive
The 31 Whaler is an awesome boat, and I'm about to pick up a diesel version. You have to buy the boat 'right' to make it a viable purchase. Repowering with gas will run you 25k, and you'll spend 40k for diesels. Great boat that will never let you down! Good luck!!
