Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

Well We bought a new to us 2004 25' Lowe suncruiser tritoon with the 4.3 I/O set up. Spent all day yesterday cleaning it up and its looking pretty good now. I have a couple questions.

First, it has the 190 hp 4.3 do any of you know of any performance upgrades for this engine?

Second, I got two props with it, one is broken and will cost 60 bucks to fix its a 15 x 17 I think. The other prop which is on the boat is a 15.25 x 15 its not in real good shape either, has a few dings and waves in it. Is it worth fixing the props I have or get a new one. What is the best size and brand for my boat? The shop we went recommended a 17 x 13

These are the photos from the add.

Normal rebuild on aluminum is usually less than half price of a new one or it is here.
If they have chewed up 2 props be sure and check the prop spindle to be sure it isn't bent.

OH and cograts on purchase

Good deal looks good

Very nice! I would probably get a new one now so you can get out on the water and have the other two fixed when you get a chance as spares.

Sharp looking boat. Probably the best performance upgrade for the buck would be in the prop. Not that familiar with the I/O's, but I am running a 15x15 enertia with a 150 optimax. Would be good to find a shop or dealer that would suggest a couple of ss prop and let you try them all before buying. Lifting strakes would be a nice addition if it doesn't have them already. Enjoy, very nice looking boat.
doc

It doesn't have the lifting strakes. I was told a guy in Havasu will add them for about 1500 bucks. Only thing is I dont see much of a difference in claimed speed with or with out them, how ever I did notice a ride difference. It hits 30 now. I keep hearing 32 to 35 MPH claims on boats with them. I was hoping the correct prop would get me 2 more MPH but Im not sure Im willing so spend 1500 bucks just for 3 more MPH.

Welcome aboard, good lookin toon

nice boat, congrats!

i agree with doc, the most important thing for performance will be finding the right prop.
unfortunately it's trial and error. find a friendly prop shop that will loan you two or three
props at a time (you ding it you bought it). try a bunch and you'll find the sweet spot
for what you want--good start (hate to call it "hole shot" for a toon) or good cruise.
i tried about half a dozen props before finding one that works best for us.

also agree with lr that you should have someone put a dial indicator on the prop shaft
as it turns to make sure it's in spec. i would also change out the sterndrive lube and
look it over carefully for water or metal shavings.

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Phil in SoCal wrote:It doesn't have the lifting strakes. I was told a guy in Havasu will add them for about 1500 bucks. Only thing is I dont see much of a difference in claimed speed with or with out them, how ever I did notice a ride difference. It hits 30 now. I keep hearing 32 to 35 MPH claims on boats with them. I was hoping the correct prop would get me 2 more MPH but Im not sure Im willing so spend 1500 bucks just for 3 more MPH.

1500 sounds a bit steep. Think I paid 500 as an option. Now the Bentley may be somewhat lighter than your boat but I got 38 on the first prop a 17p mirage plus but only 5300 rpm dropped down to the 15x15 enertia and at 40 now with 5800 rpm. Can't say how much of it is the strakes because it was the first tritoon I have been in. The dealer recommended I get them and glad I did. Still with that kind of hp looks like you would be in the 33 to 35 range. A word of caution, heard some not so good feedback from a few aftermarket installs, it can be done, but they really need to know what they are doing and exactly where to put them. Good Luck with it, maybe 800 would be fair price after all they are just strips of aluminum and seems like every boat maker has a little different spin on size and placement.