Trojan Boat Forum

I own a 1977 F26 cruiser with a 318 Chrysler. Manual states that engine should achieve 225 HP at 4000 RPM. I can only get it up to 2800 RPM under load. The boat has a 14", 9 pitch prop. Is this the correct prop for this boat ? Have been told by one supplier to change to a 14" 13 pitch prop. Also engine is not governed at 2800 RPM as in neutral it revs up fine. Thanks, any help will be appreciated.

If your only turning 2800 now changing to a larger pitch will make it worse . Your currant prop is what a lot of F26s are running . Now some questions so you can get better info . What speeds are you getting at 2800 ? Is the 4 barrel opening fully ? If the boat bottom and running gear clean clean clean . Has it ever turn more then 2800 ? If so what changes have been made since then . And has the tach been checked ?

Thanks for responding, Top speed is approx. 14-16 MPH depending on conditions. I am in the process of sanding the bottom of the boat, it was fairly rough to the feel. Had the carb checked by a mechanic, all he found wrong was the chock was not coming fully off. I looked into this while winterizing the engine and found that someone had put oil in the little reservoir where the choke spring is. Cleaned it o out, hopefully that will help. I have not had the tach checked but it has been suggested. I just bought the boat this past summer so it has never reached full RPM while I have owned it.

May want to check the timing. Make sure it's advancing like it should.

Also make sure your trim tabs are working.

+1 for checking the tabs.

My f26 ( 77 fb model with 233 MC and 1:1) was sensitive to weight distribution and 100-200 rpms could be gained by getting a few passengers up front in the cabin. I had a problem with my tabs leaking and had to run in without them, 11 mph was all I could muster at 3500 rpms.
I was turning a 14x9 cupped prop and topped out about 3800 and 21 mph. One issue I know existed was I had one weaker cylinder ( 110) and the rest about 125. You may want to check your compression along with what everyone else is suggesting.( I was on first rebuild with ~4000 hrs on block, was getting close to next one)

Bottom condition, tabs, and engine performance ( timing, compression, fuel, air ) are your biggest factors. Others may be : (Tranny?) ( Cables? )

Good luck

I hope to hear a solution, I have been fighting the same issue with my twin 318 f28 and have no for sure fix yet.

There can be many causes of low rpm . What may fix one boat could be irrelevant on the next .

I have a set of 14x9 and have not tried it yet, true his is single engine and mine dual so Paul you could be correct. I hope he gets it figured out.