max speed

[oceedee]

I have a 2002 25hp 4 stroke on a 14ft. carolina skiff (510lbs dry weight) and at full throttle with 2 adults it goes approx. 20mph. Is this normal, or should the boat go faster than 20mph.

 

[gsyfishy]

Re: max speed

That sounds about right, the only thing to gain a little more top end would be a prop change.

 

[sar3195]

Re: max speed

What is your RPM? If you are at the full RPM as rated by motor manufacturer the prop should be the right one. I had a 14J Carolina Skiff with a 15hp motor and it would do 24 with just me and 21 with 2 people fishing gear, cooler and 6gal of gas.
I would think you should be getting a little more speed with the 25. Its hard to tell if you have the right prop without a tach, or if the motor is running right.

Others may offer more help.

 

[oceedee]

Re: max speed

The J14 weight according to the mfgr. is about 280lbs. which is about 230lbs less than the 14 dlx. . I just installed tach on the boat and it's runs about 5600-5700 rpm's. The owners manual says max. rpm range 5000-5600 rpm's. I'm running a 10 pitch prop now and I ordered a 12 pitch to see if it will drop my rpm's to 5200-5300 rpm's and possibly increase my top end. What do you think? I also think my motor may be mounted too low. I will have to check that the mext time I go over to the boat. Thanks for all help.