Big block 440s in a 32 express

[martindesign]

So the more and more I've looked the more I'm starting to think I may have one of the only 32 express with 440s. Lol. I've heard most were recalled and repowered. Can anyone elaborate or shed some light for me? How many were built, and how many are still out there? Just curious if I found myself with a diamond in the rough.
Thanks guys.

[keldridge]

440 guy. I have a 1966 31 Express that has twin 426 Wedge motors. It was supposed to have been made for a Marinette employee. Don't doubt your 440's!

[martindesign]

Haha. Nice setup!! I didn't buy it cause of the added power of the 440s. Don't get me wrong it's nice to have, but more so the reliability. Those industrial/marine big block Chryslers are high nickel blocks and have a 100%duty cycle. They will be there for you if u need them. today,tomorrow, next week, next year....... Lol. We had a 440 Genny that ran at 3200rpm for about a month straight during an operation we ran. I wouldn't believe it if I didn't see it.

[GB49]

What size prop are you turning with those 440's?

What diameter shafts?

What is your top end speed?

-karl

[newendeavor]

There is 28 or 31 Express here in Louisville with 426 Hemi's supposedly build as a Demo boat for Marinette's Sales Mgr because someone claim's the boats are slow.

[keldridge]

The boat in Louisville is the one I just bought. It was built for a Marinette employee but the Hemi motors were just an urban legend. It has twin 426 wedge motors, not Hemi engines.

[Fastjeff]

That sucker should haul *ss!

Jeff

[martindesign]

I believe the shafts are 1 1/4" embarrassed to say I don't know the prop size. I never looked. It is a 1:1 drive so they are relatively small. I haven't been out on a calm enough day to run her wide open for a true top speed but @1500 she runs 10knotts. And 24knots at a cruise of 3200.

[Fastjeff]

Sounds like there's a LOT of pitch on that prop.

Jeff

[Busia]

I have 300hp Chevy 350's and have never had them wide open. I think I have 14 x 12 cupped props. At 1000rpm I do 10mph on the GPS. My boat is light, no fly bridge, no generator. I use full down on the trim tabs as all the weight is concentrated in the back. I do have a 40 gallon fresh water tank in the bow, so I keep it full. No problem with not enough power, my boat weighs one half of what the same size Bayliner weighs with the same engines and transmissions. I put Crusader 350's in because I could get them cheaper than trying to find parts and building a pair of 318's. No boat is perfect, but have been fairly happy with this one.