2003 29' Fever
05-26-2018, 07:33 PM
#1
2003 29' Fever
HI guys I am new to this forum and just bought a new-to-me 2003 29' Fever with a 525 EFI, 400 hours.
I took it out today with 3/4 fuel 4 people, has the stock 28P prop.
Is it normal for top speed to be 72mph and 4850 RPM maxed out with that set up, in fresh water?
I am wondering if its down on power is all.
Thanks
I took it out today with 3/4 fuel 4 people, has the stock 28P prop.
Is it normal for top speed to be 72mph and 4850 RPM maxed out with that set up, in fresh water?
I am wondering if its down on power is all.
Thanks
05-26-2018, 09:10 PM
#2
Gold Member
Gold Member
I've read the 29/525 combo should run closer to 80 but....
Salt water is more bouyant=faster
4 people and 3/4 fuel would be a fairly heavy load
Revs sound a little low but before playing with props, a run with a light load might be worthwhile.
The 525's need to be refreshed, depending on who you talk to, any time from about 200 hours. Wait for someone more knowledgeable than me to chime in, you might need to check a few engine specs to make sure it's performing to the fullest.
Welcome to OSO, hope you get some better answers soon but this place goes a little quiet on weekends..
RR
.
Salt water is more bouyant=faster
4 people and 3/4 fuel would be a fairly heavy load
Revs sound a little low but before playing with props, a run with a light load might be worthwhile.
The 525's need to be refreshed, depending on who you talk to, any time from about 200 hours. Wait for someone more knowledgeable than me to chime in, you might need to check a few engine specs to make sure it's performing to the fullest.
Welcome to OSO, hope you get some better answers soon but this place goes a little quiet on weekends..
RR
.
05-27-2018, 06:56 AM
#4
Registered
Platinum MemberJoin Date: Jun 2015
Location: North Conway, NH
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From first hand experience, I strongly suggest you check with the previous owner and ask about the top ends. Find out directly from his mechanic exactly what was done or if anything has been done to the top ends. If not, 400 hours will put you on borrowed time for the engine. Blue motors are fantastic, but unlike a black motor, they require a small chunk of money with proper upkeep at regular intervals. I find many owners fail to reinvest in proper engine upkeep. I was green when I got into this sport and I lost my first summer and 12 grand rebuilding my Merc 500, (450 hrs). Now I have the engine builder go through it every spring. I don't enjoy an $800 dollar tune up, but I enjoyed dropping an exhaust valve even less. I have a 2000 29' Fever. I went from the stock prop, Mirage to a labbed 28P Mercury Bravo 1. The boat gained 2-3 MPH on the Top end. Not sure if it was worth the $1000.00 upgrade. Hope your engine is fresh and have a great summer. It is a fun boat with a roomy cockpit.
05-27-2018, 07:34 AM
#5
Thanks Jan
I agree with you 100%
i am like this with all my toys; $800-1000 is better to fork over than $12,000
The guy I bought it from only rebuilt the XR on it.
He had it a short while. Bit of a language barrier too.
Do you know if I could submit the serial of the engine to someone on this fourm and they could give me a history of the motor??
I agree with you 100%
i am like this with all my toys; $800-1000 is better to fork over than $12,000
The guy I bought it from only rebuilt the XR on it.
He had it a short while. Bit of a language barrier too.
Do you know if I could submit the serial of the engine to someone on this fourm and they could give me a history of the motor??
05-27-2018, 12:53 PM
#6
Registered
I would ask previous owner as well. That gives you a base to start from. Customers ask me about top ends on marine engines, I recomend refreshing the heads every 200 to 250 hours. Valve locks, valves, valve springs. Valve guides as needed. This I hope is helpful. Feel free to ask any questions you have. Kyle
05-27-2018, 01:28 PM
#7
It’s going to be a long shot, I have the two previous owners name.
See if I can contact him.
Id really like to get a head kit complete to bolt on.
After successful comp test and header pressure test.
All of this input is great. Thank you all 👍
See if I can contact him.
Id really like to get a head kit complete to bolt on.
After successful comp test and header pressure test.
All of this input is great. Thank you all 👍
05-27-2018, 03:05 PM
#8
Registered
You can call or email the Fountain factory and they will send you a test report by email to confirm the performance and prop when new. Your numbers sound a little low but not by much. My 2004 was factory tested to 81 mph @ 5350 rpm but I never saw more than about 75 mph @ 5200 rpm but that was in fresh water and at 1000’ + elevation.
The 28p prop gives the best top end from the factory but other owners I talked to recommended the 26p for better all around performance. Mine with the 28p was a dog out of the hole.
The 28p prop gives the best top end from the factory but other owners I talked to recommended the 26p for better all around performance. Mine with the 28p was a dog out of the hole.
05-27-2018, 10:08 PM
#10
Just bought a 2000 29' running a 24 hydormotive. It also is a DOG out of the hole. Tabs down and very difficult to get on plane. Any 29's out there that with a combo that works well. Will adding power or shortie help.
