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1954 26’ Sea Skiff not going up to speed

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jumbo kid
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1954 26’ Sea Skiff not going up to speed

Post by jumbo kid » Sat Dec 05, 2020 2:00 pm

I have a 1954 26’ Sea Skiff that is not going up to speed of 29 mph according to the literature in Mariners Museum
I have a new manufacture Chrysler 318 225 hp the 4 barrels open up, transmission is rebuilt ,
I haven’t replaced transmission damper , I have the original prob, 13x121/2 , problem being I can only get up to 2700 rpm and about 29 wot . I will cruise at between 16mph-18 (19and 20 on occasion mph ) according to sea conditions
Could this be the propeller not tuned?
Help it’s driving me nuts !
Thanks Wayne

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drrot
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Re: 1954 26’ Sea Skiff not going up to speed

Post by drrot » Sat Dec 05, 2020 3:04 pm

Does it have a direct drive or reduction gear? With direct drive I'd start with a 13X10 prop. With a 1.5-1 gear I'd start with a 15X17
Jim Staib
www.finewoodboats.com


1947 Penn Yan 12' Cartopper WXH474611
1950 Chris-Craft 22' Sportsman U-22-1532
1957 Chris-Craft 26' Sea Skiff SK-26-515
1968 Century 17' Resorter FG-68-174

jumbo kid
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Re: 1954 26’ Sea Skiff not going up to speed

Post by jumbo kid » Sat Dec 05, 2020 5:46 pm

Thank you That sounds great I have direct drive what do think I’d cruise at . would that also explain the low rpms.

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drrot
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Re: 1954 26’ Sea Skiff not going up to speed

Post by drrot » Sun Dec 06, 2020 10:44 am

The object is to find out the Max RPM of your engine. (Probably about 4000) Then use the prop that allows max RPM at wide open throttle. No idea on Max speed. Should be around the original 29. Remember you lost cubic inches.
Keep us posted. I have been working on my Skiff for years and the only time it has got wet is when the roof leaks :cry:
Jim Staib
www.finewoodboats.com


1947 Penn Yan 12' Cartopper WXH474611
1950 Chris-Craft 22' Sportsman U-22-1532
1957 Chris-Craft 26' Sea Skiff SK-26-515
1968 Century 17' Resorter FG-68-174

jumbo kid
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Re: 1954 26’ Sea Skiff not going up to speed

Post by jumbo kid » Sun Dec 06, 2020 4:35 pm

What do you think should I just go with the 13x10 what prop do you have on your sea skiff thanks for the help

jumbo kid
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Re: 1954 26’ Sea Skiff not going up to speed

Post by jumbo kid » Sun Dec 06, 2020 4:45 pm

Your right it is 4000 rpm

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drrot
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Re: 1954 26’ Sea Skiff not going up to speed

Post by drrot » Sun Dec 06, 2020 8:41 pm

Mine has the original M Runs a 13X12.5
Jim Staib
www.finewoodboats.com


1947 Penn Yan 12' Cartopper WXH474611
1950 Chris-Craft 22' Sportsman U-22-1532
1957 Chris-Craft 26' Sea Skiff SK-26-515
1968 Century 17' Resorter FG-68-174

Tom Gruenauer
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Re: 1954 26’ Sea Skiff not going up to speed

Post by Tom Gruenauer » Mon Dec 07, 2020 8:31 am

A quick check to see if the distributor is advancing. Remove the cap and see of the rotor will rotate and spring back, if not the distributor is not advancing.

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Bilge Rat
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Re: 1954 26’ Sea Skiff not going up to speed

Post by Bilge Rat » Mon Dec 07, 2020 8:54 am

Second on verifying the distributor advance. If you have a timing light, you can easily check for advance by observing the mark at idle and at speed. At speed it would be further into the rotation direction before the mark. If you want to verify exact advance, a timing light with an advance knob lets you dial in the expected advance and verifying that the mark is still correct.
1966 Lyman Cruisette 25 foot "Serenity Now!"
1953 Chris Craft Sportsman 22 foot "Summerwind"

jumbo kid
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Re: 1954 26’ Sea Skiff not going up to speed

Post by jumbo kid » Mon Dec 07, 2020 7:25 pm

I put in a new pertronix distributor the year before but I will check it. I did store the boat for winter so I can’t start it thanks for the help

jumbo kid
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Re: 1954 26’ Sea Skiff not going up to speed

Post by jumbo kid » Mon Dec 07, 2020 7:36 pm

Drrot So by putting in different engine you size prop according to wot rpm, hp and current rpm etc

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drrot
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Re: 1954 26’ Sea Skiff not going up to speed

Post by drrot » Mon Dec 07, 2020 9:47 pm

Pretty much. Check out http://www.finewoodboats.com/1966prop50052_wm.jpg It will give you some ideas.
Jim Staib
www.finewoodboats.com


1947 Penn Yan 12' Cartopper WXH474611
1950 Chris-Craft 22' Sportsman U-22-1532
1957 Chris-Craft 26' Sea Skiff SK-26-515
1968 Century 17' Resorter FG-68-174

jumbo kid
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Re: 1954 26’ Sea Skiff not going up to speed

Post by jumbo kid » Tue Dec 08, 2020 8:55 pm

Going to install 13x10 prop like drrot suggested thank you the advice let you know next year when I get in the water
1B8FAB6A-BE56-4CAC-BE46-4BE69680F20F.jpeg
1954 26’ sea skiff hull# 009

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drrot
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Re: 1954 26’ Sea Skiff not going up to speed

Post by drrot » Wed Dec 09, 2020 8:19 am

THANKS for the photo. I need motivation to work on mine :lol:
Jim Staib
www.finewoodboats.com


1947 Penn Yan 12' Cartopper WXH474611
1950 Chris-Craft 22' Sportsman U-22-1532
1957 Chris-Craft 26' Sea Skiff SK-26-515
1968 Century 17' Resorter FG-68-174

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