356 speed under power

[Ed]

I am looking (lusting) for a 356. Have a 2002 326, but have found that I need a little more boat. One of the areas that has been a disapointment to me with the 326 is it's speed under power. I think the engin is a little too small for the weight of the boat. Can not approach hull speed with out over reving the engine. What speed can you moter the 356 with a resonable - 2,800 rpm - motor speed? Not trying to water ski, but often am fighting 3-5 knot tides to break out of Fisher's Island sound and on a day with no wind it is a chore. My concern with the 356 is that while the engine is larger, the weight and wetted area is larger also and am concerned it too many be under Horse Powered. Thanks for the info.

 

[Dakota Jim Russell]

7 knots with a 340

I may be over 3,000 t0 get 7 knots, but it should be possible

 

[Steve Dion]

Do you have the right prop?

Ed:Do you have the correct prop for your boat? You mention that you cannot reach hull speed without over reving. Is your prop a two or three bladed. I would think you should be able to get hull speed most of the time. Of course 5 kts of current is going to slow the best of them down.If you want to do yourself an inexpensive favor, call Bob Kilian at Bay Props in Alameda, CA. 510/337-9122. Let him know you engine, transmission ratio, approx weight of the boat and your current prop configuration and ask him what he can do for you. You may be suprised (maybe not).

 

[Paul]

My experience

I've been doing a very comfortable 7K at 3000 rpm, which is the recommended cruise setting. At 3400, the one-hour max, figure 7.5 - 8-plus, depending on weather. At 2000, by the way (where fuel consumption appears almost non-existent) figure an easy 4.5K. I have the 3-bladed prop, which I really like.

 

[nick]

clean prop

I have the 290 with the same engine and the boat is not under powered at all but I did have a problem with hull speed until I had the prop cleaned and than it was ok again.

 

[Mark Millham]

6.5-7 knots

I just took posession of my 356. She does 6.5 @3500 rpm, and pushes 7kts with no wind or current.Very maneuverable. You'll love her!

 

[Chuck Wayne]

356 power

go for the 356, with the 3 blade prop. I frequently traverse the merrimac river (MA)-where my dealer's located-current in the river mouth can reach 7 Kts, and the 356 handles it very well-unlike my 29.5. can easily do 7 kts in still water, maybe 7.5 at 3600