My boat's not as fast as it was- any ideas?

[twopars]

I bought a new Nitro 882DC in January and broke in the 150hp Optimax engine very carefully. After break-in period I was able to achieve a top speed of 67mph. Now after 20 or so hours I only can manage 60-61mph. Anyone have an idea why it isn't as fast at top end. Hole shot is still good and the engine runs smoothly and sounds great. I've made no changes to the boat at all and weight of gear is the same.

 

[tjthorson]

Re: My boat's not as fast as it was- any ideas?

Is it trailered? Any buildup on the hull? Bent/chipped prop? You putting on weight?

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: My boat's not as fast as it was- any ideas?

Is there a difference in your tach reading? It is possible that you may have picked up some debris in you pitot tube for your speedo. If you are at the same rpm, but showing different speed, I would think that the speedo is in error.<br /><br />If all that seems to be okay, check the throw on your throttle cable. It is possible for something may be loose on the hold downs and caused it to prevent you from getting full throttle. <br /><br />Usually engines tend to run better and stronger after they are broken in. Good Luck

 

[steelespike]

Re: My boat's not as fast as it was- any ideas?

Check speed with GPS.Check hull for moss,zebra muccles etc.Be sure trim and tilt is doing what<br />it indicates.How are the RPMs.

 

[blifsey]

Re: My boat's not as fast as it was- any ideas?

When was last time you were able to hit 67? If it was earlier in spring when weather was cooler and you're seeing a RPM drop, it could be from hotter weather through summer. If so, see if it picks back up as it cools down again.<br /><br />BL...

 

[Ross J]

Re: My boat's not as fast as it was- any ideas?

That's a good point HotByte. Also check carefully for any nicks off the propeller or extra weight in the boat, I made that mistake. Each time I went out initially I had put something extra in the boat!<br />Ross

 

[DJ]

Re: My boat's not as fast as it was- any ideas?

Twopars,<br /><br />As Ross J. said. Boats have a tendency to gain weight. Especially bass boats with all of their nifty little storage compartments. It wouldn't surprise me if you have put 3 or 400 pounds in it since new.<br /><br />First, you have to verify old and new tach. readings and verify speed via GPS. <br /><br />Warmer conditions will have some effect.

 

[twopars]

Re: My boat's not as fast as it was- any ideas?

Thanks for the input guys. All of my speed recordings were done with a GPS so I don't think the speedo is the problem but all of your other suggestions sound good to investigate. I'll take some of the junk out from below decks and run her lighter and see what happens. No debris on hull or chips in stainless steel propeller seen! The air temp. suggestion is interesting. I'll have to wait for cooler weather to check it out.