How fast should my bass boat go?

phillipdi · Nov 29, 2012

Hello, I am trying to figure out how fast should my 1999 triton tr-17 bass boat with a 1999 90hp mercury outboard should go. I have topped out at about 39 miles an hour. Is that about correct?

Faztbullet · Nov 29, 2012

Re: How fast should my bass boat go?

Pretty close depend on load and prop...... below is from owners at BBC
2012 Triton 17 Explorer
2012 90 Merc 22 Laser II, Motorguide 50#. 50 mph @ 5250 rpm (gps).

mr 88 · Nov 29, 2012

Re: How fast should my bass boat go?

Many variables from load to prop SS-alum 3 -4 blade, to GPS speed or boat speedo. What is the max rpm on the engine vs what your tach is reading,that is pretty much the starting point.Without that info your speed may be a few mph slow or spot on.

CharlieB · Nov 29, 2012

Re: How fast should my bass boat go?

Age of the boat makes one wonder if there is any added weight from water-logged foam, more gear stuffed into compartments, big fat owner/pilot like me. All adds up quickly and slows the boat.

phillipdi · Nov 30, 2012

Re: How fast should my bass boat go?

I dont know it goes the same speed with 4 guys on it or just me. I was just wondering I have an aluminum prop that I beileve is 23 pitch. Also the speed I go off of is on my GPS system.

Maxz695 · Nov 30, 2012

Re: How fast should my bass boat go?

As stated RPM,S are a major tool in adjusting the pitch and diamiter of the prop. You may be running 39 MPH that take longer to get to and stressing the hell out of the motor with 4 guys in it when you could be doing 39 MPH in half the time with less pitch and having your engine run at top RPM,S recommended for your engine and creating less stress on the motor. Get a Tach

5150abf · Dec 1, 2012

Re: How fast should my bass boat go?

Seems to me you should be alittle on top of that, more like mid 40s but that is just a guess on my part, and no, the boat will not run the same speed with 4 guys in it, weight kills speed.

As stated, could be engine not running at it's prime, waterlogged foam, wrong or dinged up prop, engine too low, lots and lots of variable to check out.

You need to start wth wide open rpm and go from there, outboards are built to run a specific rpm and speed falls where it does once you find that rpm.

Is this boat stored inside or out and could it have waterlogged foam, that can beseveral hundred pounds and wiil certainly slow a boat down.

jestor68 · Dec 1, 2012

Re: How fast should my bass boat go?

With an aluminum prop, that may be about right.

That boat should run 43-47 mph with a Quicksilver Lightspeed 13.5 X 20 prop.

Note: suggestion based on the Mercury prop selector. The Quicksilver Lightspeed is the same as the Mercury Laser.

dan02gt · Dec 1, 2012

Re: How fast should my bass boat go?

You should be getting mid 40s out of that setup, but it's never going to happen with an aluminum prop. Bass boats need lift to go fast and I be you're getting none with that prop. It just doesn't have the cup to lift the bow and reduce your wetted surface area. I would recommend a Laser II or Trophy Plus for your setup. Both around 21P.

Check out this link for the Mercury Prop Selector: Prop Selector | Mercury Marine

You'll need your max speed and RPMs for the best results, but it will give you a good place to start

Texasmark · Dec 1, 2012