28 flybridge gear ratio

[pete2225]

i have recently bought a 1970 28ft lurhs.it is powered by a crysler 318 single. the previous owner changed the gear ratios in the trans and v-drive.but what ever he did didn't work. the boat won't get out of it's own way.i was wondering if anyone could tell me what the original ratios where for this boat.and also what size prop.thank for any help.

[Dennis]

Many years ago, I owned a 25 Luhrs with a single 318. Although I don't have the gear ratios or prop size, I can tell you that the with everything set to factory, per say, the boat did not perform well. My top speed at 3800 rpms was about 12 knots with a good following wind. It wasn't worth it to me to repower with a bigger motor so I just bought a new one. My area has limited Chrysler parts, and I'm a Chrysler mechanic. Go figure.... Sorry I can't be of more help. You may be in for a uphill climb. Keep me posted and I'll try and help if I can.

[mongo75]

Dennis is right- a boat that size just won't do too great with a small 318. I think the boat I'm currently restoring (25' 1968 flybridge) had either a 318 or 360 in it, and I'm actually replacing that with a Chrysler 440. Yeah it can suck some gas if I stay on it all day, but a bigger engine will get you on plane a lot faster and actually save gas because it's not working so hard all the time. I would recommend looking at repowering with a big block Chevy (and I'm a Ford guy) I only say that because it's the least expensive way to go, and parts are always readily available. I can't begin to say how much of a pain in the ass it's been putting together this 440!