how fast should 70 horses go?

[RyanBassBoat]

I understand it there are several factors that dictate speed on the water; but how fast should i be able to go with a late 1980s 70hp merc with flat water no wind and just me in a 17ft closed bow bass boat?

The guy i might buy it from says he gets it up to 35mph. That seemed slow to me, but i don't know much about outboards.

Thanks.

 

[Yepblaze]

Re: how fast should 70 horses go?

Sounds pretty fast to me.

 

[jimg984]

Re: how fast should 70 horses go?

26 to 30 sry

 

[Yepblaze]

Re: how fast should 70 horses go?

26 to 30 sry

Huh?

 

[floatingwoody2006]

Re: how fast should 70 horses go?

My 1976 merc 50 on a 16' mirrocraft closed bow does 37-40. I would think it would match or beat that if the boat isn't waterlogged..

 

[jimg984]

Re: how fast should 70 horses go?

dream on

 

[RyanBassBoat]

Re: how fast should 70 horses go?

I'm a little confused with these responses. So 70 hosses should be able to get it up faster than 35 correct?

 

[Yepblaze]

Re: how fast should 70 horses go?

Probably not.

For example a certain moderate to heavy 16' vee hull I own saw 26-27 mph with 50hp and now does about 37-38 with 115hp. I saw 40 once.

 

[jeff_smith_0423]

Re: how fast should 70 horses go?

Far too many factors to predict - including the hull shape, weight, water-loggedness, properly propped, prop in good condition, loading and weight distribution in the boat, proper use of trim, etc..

I saw 35 in a 15'' fiberglass trihull with a crank rated 85 horse. It was fast enough for sure. 45 in my new boat scared the pants off of me.

 

[RyanBassBoat]

Re: how fast should 70 horses go?

thanks fellas