Hey guys! I have purchased my first airboat and I am really in need of some input and help from all you experts. I bought a 2002 17' x 8' utah style airboat with a 383 stroker engine. I have a 3 blade carbon fiber prop. I bought it knowing that the 383 stroker engine might not be enough engine. What engine do you guys recommend? What is the easiest to swap out? Will I need to swap out the prop too? I am kind of thinking along the lines of a Chevy 454. I have a gear reduction. Will I be able to use that or will I need a new one? thanks for your input.
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Al has got you headed in the right direction. I personally think the prop is too long for that engine to swing it fast enough unless the motor is pushing well in to the 400 HP range. You should try to max out your RPM's at a little over 5000 rpm in order to get the push you need at a varity of ranges. Dial your prop back a bit and try it again ...and let us know what happened.
R