2005 Yamaha 250 V-Max HPDI performance and hard starting issues.

I'm running the Yamaha V-Max with the 25-T1 on my 2005 Ranger Z-21 (no Jack Plate) and have a top speed of only 63 mph (GPS) with 400#s of fishermen and full fuel tanks. The engine will only turn 5,100 RPMs.

Shouldn't I be turning more RPMs with this motor/prop combination?

Shouldn't this boat be able to run near 70 mph?

Also, the motor has been contrary to start since I purchased it new in 2005 but seems to have been worse after the recall to increase the oil injection quantity. It will always immediately crank but dies whenever you give it any throttle. I usually have to start it at least 3 times before I give it 3/4 throttle, crank the motor, let it "race" for a few moments, then let it settle back into an idle. Doesn't matter if the boat has been sitting for weeks or just a few hours while trolling, it always requires at least 3 cranks to get it going.

Has anyone else experienced this problem with the HPDI?

Might be time to change the fuel pumps or high pressure filter. I'm just guessing with the ones I would look at first. If you have a water separator filter that might need changing. Hope this gets you on the right track. http://xs-s.com/zf/images/smile/emthup.gif

If your boat has never gone faster than 63 and 5100 rpms I would think your engine could be sitting to low. I would see about getting a jackplate installed first. My 2004 hpdi has had trouble starting in the winter every year since I have owned it. I have had some luck by pumping the primer bulb until hard. Give it a try.

Chris I could be wrong but I think that there is an ecu fix for your cold start problems. Might what to check it out.

Tex as for your problem it could be a host of things, from fuel pressure (2 lower pressure pumps, 1 medium pressure and 1 high pressure pump) to filters, to injectors, reeds, compression. You need to get it to a dealer to have checked out.
It could be a set up problem also except of the start issure.