'79 Formula 255 Liberator Update
02-22-2014, 06:13 PM
#334
Registered
Thread Starter
OK..the difference is dramatic...however.... this boat with 800 plus horsepower is a bit over powered...HELL it's a LOT over powered!!! As a result I have absolutely got to add drive and tab indicators. the boat is so sensitive to trim at speed that it's very easy to over compensate or over correct for tilt and trim. Once proper trim is achieved through trial and error this thing is a bullet. The acceleration from 25-30 to 65-70 is scary...I mean like really scary!! Add lack of ability to make minor trim adjustments to compensate for any "twitchiness" and you have your hands full.
So I'm cruising around outside in the ocean this afternoon about 35 MPH at less than 2000 RPM (I know...unreal)...find a several mile long stretch of clean water about a mile off the beach and let her fly....65 comes as soon as the secondaries open with 70-75 coming seconds later with NO HESITATION. The bow rides perfectly and the hull is planted as it should be with no wobble or chine walk. I hit a roller and caught a bit of air...as I instinctively pulled the throttles...soon as I come down I nail the sticks and the bow finds the sky as the Vortecs say hello to the water with out a bit of fade. I glanced at the GPS and see 78 as I crap my pants...left hand with a death grip on the wheel...right hand getting fuel out of the reach of this monster.
It's at this point I realize two things...This can hurt you bad...and it want's to go!!!
So the plan is as follows:
1. Mechanical/Cable real time drive trim indicators
2. K-Planes (280's) instead of Bennett s...for real....with trim indicators.
3. Trim switches in the throttles.
4. Kill Lanyards.
5. Life line jacket.
6. Hydraulic External Steering.
As I was running around outside I thought...I need 10 more feet of boat...this is nuts!!!
I have successfully developed a propulsion package for this boat that exceeds the original design limits of the hull...plain and simple. Additional torque and power is un necessary..period.
Further development of this piece of equipment will be rigging and engineering to harness this power to weight ratio into a safe usable form. The Vortec Small Blocks coupled to Bravo drives have exceeded my expectations...NO $HIT...Really? LOL
Stay tuned...
Oh...forgot to mention...coming back in to the ramp that I chose way far inland...I hit a BFR 2500 and put a ding in my starboard prop so back to Frank and Jimmy's
So I'm cruising around outside in the ocean this afternoon about 35 MPH at less than 2000 RPM (I know...unreal)...find a several mile long stretch of clean water about a mile off the beach and let her fly....65 comes as soon as the secondaries open with 70-75 coming seconds later with NO HESITATION. The bow rides perfectly and the hull is planted as it should be with no wobble or chine walk. I hit a roller and caught a bit of air...as I instinctively pulled the throttles...soon as I come down I nail the sticks and the bow finds the sky as the Vortecs say hello to the water with out a bit of fade. I glanced at the GPS and see 78 as I crap my pants...left hand with a death grip on the wheel...right hand getting fuel out of the reach of this monster.
It's at this point I realize two things...This can hurt you bad...and it want's to go!!!
So the plan is as follows:
1. Mechanical/Cable real time drive trim indicators
2. K-Planes (280's) instead of Bennett s...for real....with trim indicators.
3. Trim switches in the throttles.
4. Kill Lanyards.
5. Life line jacket.
6. Hydraulic External Steering.
As I was running around outside I thought...I need 10 more feet of boat...this is nuts!!!
I have successfully developed a propulsion package for this boat that exceeds the original design limits of the hull...plain and simple. Additional torque and power is un necessary..period.
Further development of this piece of equipment will be rigging and engineering to harness this power to weight ratio into a safe usable form. The Vortec Small Blocks coupled to Bravo drives have exceeded my expectations...NO $HIT...Really? LOL
Stay tuned...
Oh...forgot to mention...coming back in to the ramp that I chose way far inland...I hit a BFR 2500 and put a ding in my starboard prop so back to Frank and Jimmy's
Last edited by sprink58; 02-22-2014 at 06:28 PM.
02-22-2014, 08:59 PM
#335
Registered
It`s so good to hear this, with all the work you have done. I will say you may have one of the older Formulas on the site and now one of the fastest.
02-22-2014, 11:12 PM
#336
Registered
Great to hear John. Also great list of parts needed. I have a cp performance double engine kill lanyard.
http://www.cpperformance.com/p-13200...op-switch.aspx
One switch does both engines. Out of original packaging but brand new. Get with me if ya want it.
http://www.cpperformance.com/p-13200...op-switch.aspx
One switch does both engines. Out of original packaging but brand new. Get with me if ya want it.
02-25-2014, 09:08 PM
#339
Registered
Thread Starter
02-25-2014, 09:24 PM
#340
Registered
Glad you finally have your boat running strong. Once you put the hydraulic steering on it will feel like a 10 ft bigger boat. The difference is amazing and the boat will be a rock, and not so scary. Your getting to the speeds that stronger steering is a must. Again, congrats and glad your hard work paid off. Jason
