Okay....here comes the post the will jinx my engine and make this the last season. When I bought this boat around 20 years ago, I switched from the stock prop (over pitched as Ray stated) to a Gori 16” which is also way over pitched. I bought the prop at a tag sale for $250 and figured if I liked it, I would make the jump to a new folding prop that was the correct size and pitch. I never got around to that. I cruise the boat at 6-6.5kts at around 1500 rpm. If I try to take it up to 2000, the noise and vibration is not worth the extra half knot. If I need the extra power though, it is there. The engine has a bit under 6,000 hours, starts easily and does not smoke (except for a few seconds on cold startup). Regular maintenance includes oil change (Castrol diesel straight 30 weight) and filter changes either once a season or every 50 hrs (or so) whichever comes first. It leaks a lot of oil but as far as I can see, doesn’t burn it. I live with the leaks and probably pull a quart or two out of the engine sump every season. As I say, now that I have confessed, the engine will probably pack in this year! I hope not.
Chip Seltzer Esprit T37 #324
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