Approximate top speed?

[STIguy]

Hey folks!

New to boating and I have a noobish question here :redface:

I would like to get a guesstimate of the approximate top speed of my boat... it's a 16 foot 8 inch Crestliner Fish Halk "Bass Boat" It's aluminum and has a deep "V" hull design and has a 1995 75HP Merc on it.

I have been told it does about 40-45 MPH... and it sure feels like it does at least that

What do you more experienced boaters guess the top speed is around?

 

[tinman565]

Re: Approximate top speed?

I would be surprised if it went 40 - 45. I'm guessing more like 34 - 37. Do you own a GPS ? Even an in-car one will work. GPS's are supposed to be "on the money" true.

 

[STIguy]

Re: Approximate top speed?

I would be surprised if it went 40 - 45. I'm guessing more like 34 - 37. Do you own a GPS ? Even an in-car one will work. GPS's are supposed to be "on the money" true.

I do not have a GPS... but the fish finder on the boat is due for an upgrade so a newer one with GPS may be in my future if I can find one thats cheap... (suggestions welcome )

 

[tinman565]

Re: Approximate top speed?

Good idea...and good luck finding one thats cheap...lol. Remember sir..you get what you pay for. See if one of your work buddies, relatives, ex wives ( lol ), or mail man has one for their car. Tom-Tom, Garmin etc. Most are battery powered, and can be removed from the vehicle and used in another vehicle. Easy to operate, and will show your waterways. They all show speed, doesnt matter if your walking, riding a bike, in a spaceship, car, or boat. Let us know.

 

[QC]

Re: Approximate top speed?

They suck in a spaceship . . .

BTW, boats always feel fast to new boaters as they are not used to watching the asphalt fly by right next to their elbow . . . I remember the first time I was in a really fast boat as a youngster, We get to the beach after my first ride and I say to my buddy and his BIL who owned the boat, "jeez that thing is fast!" And they looked at me and just started laughing. We had probably ran only about 35 MPH and as I found out on the next ride it did double that . . .

 

[Irv964]

Re: Approximate top speed?

Without seeing your boat and knowing what options you have? (full windsheild, built in gas tank, 3 to 4 seats? etc) It is hard to guess but by comparison I own a 2006 16'.5" Lowe F&S with a 2007 90 Merc 4 stroke and my best speed with my 19P Turning Point Hustler prop is 44mph as per the GPS. That is running a half tank of fuel (approx 16 Canadian Gal's) with only me in the boat (190lbs) and approx 100 to 125Lbs of gear etc..........Irv964

 

[STIguy]

Re: Approximate top speed?

Without seeing your boat and knowing what options you have? (full windsheild, built in gas tank, 3 to 4 seats? etc) It is hard to guess but by comparison I own a 2006 16'.5" Lowe F&S with a 2007 90 Merc 4 stroke and my best speed with my 19P Turning Point Hustler prop is 44mph as per the GPS. That is running a half tank of fuel (approx 16 Canadian Gal's) with only me in the boat (190lbs) and approx 100 to 125Lbs of gear etc..........Irv964

It has a small windshield only in front of the drivers seat, 3 seats and 2 removeable 25 litre each plastic fuel tanks (6.6 gallons each US I think) which are very lightweight.

The prop is the factory prop that came on the motor... Not sure what size that is

Your boat... being a F&S is probably quite a bit heavier than mine which is a "bass boat". So I'm guessing with the 75 HP on it 40+ is reasonable.

 

[109jb]

Re: Approximate top speed?

My BIL had exactly what you are describing. He had a Fish Hawk with a 75 Merc too. As I remember it was about a 35 mph boat.

 

[STIguy]

Re: Approximate top speed?

My BIL had exactly what you are describing. He had a Fish Hawk with a 75 Merc too. As I remember it was about a 35 mph boat.

Hmm that seems a bit low... as Irv964 said he gets 44 MPH out of a similar size boat that weighs a few hundred pounds more... with only 15 more HP.

I think it should be able to get around to 40 MPH... but I guess the only way I'll ever know is to get my hands on a GPS :redface:

Thanks for the replies folks!

 

[Jack Daniels]

Re: Approximate top speed?

With the boat in my signature i can get 35 to 37 mph with a 85 HP. I know i dont have it proped right so i bet 40 mph would be reasonable for me. My boat weights 1100 lbs per scale and the motor has 125 compression on each cylinder, so i know shes not water logged and motor is in good shape. I bet you should be able to reach 40 mph with the right prop.