Need For Speed!!!

[Restless22]

Well, my speed issues are gone! I played with my trim tabs and at WOT today on several different runs, I was able to run at a sustained 62 MPH by GPS at 4900 RPM.

My boat is a 1988 Wellcraft Aruba 232 with a 350 Magnum and Alpha 1 Outdrive. I'm running a 14 x 17P SS prop.

We had to run from a storm today too. I smoked a Jet Ski and a loaded down Bayliner running to the channel home.

I'm tickled to death with this speed!!! 2 adults, teen boy, near teen girl, cooler, Honda gen., and other junk.

62 MPH!!!

 

[wcsellers]

Re: Need For Speed!!!

That speed with that pitch prop? Whats your outdrive ratio? Most go fast boats run 23 to 25 pitch with a 1.5 ratio merc outdrive

 

[Restless22]

Re: Need For Speed!!!

I feel like an idiot.

I was using my wife's iPhone app for a GPS. I didn't check it before we went out. I just checked it based on a suggestion, and was set to KM/H.

Damn. Now I'm back to 38 MPH.

Sure felt fast.

 

[wcsellers]

Re: Need For Speed!!!

That prop sounds low pitched for your boat. Maybe try a 19, 21, or 23 depending upon the rpms your engine can hit.

 

[bgc]

Re: Need For Speed!!!

....speed is not everything.....there is something to be said for taking time and being in the moment.....plus its cheeper runnin slow, I'm wishin for a light that tells me when the 2nd barrels open up

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Need For Speed!!!

I smoked a Jet Ski and a loaded down Bayliner running to the channel home.

I feel like an idiot.

I was using my wife's iPhone app for a GPS. I didn't check it before we went out. I just checked it based on a suggestion, and was set to KM/H.
Damn. Now I'm back to 38 MPH.

So the jetski was probably slightly above idle... Even the baseline models today will do 50. The high end ones are 70+. The bayliner though, that probably was a fair fight, he probably had it at WOT!

I'd just leave the GPS as is...

 

[laserbrn]

Re: Need For Speed!!!

I was sitting here thinking to myself..."What the **** kinda 350 is in that boat?". 62mph in a 24' Wellcraft? You'd have to have at LEAST a 496 to get that kinda umph and I still don't think you'd hit 62mph.

38-40 sounds a lot more reasonable for a top speed and a that's still quite a bit of boogie for a boat that size.

 

[04fxdwgi]

Re: Need For Speed!!!

I was sitting here thinking to myself..."What the **** kinda 350 is in that boat?". 62mph in a 24' Wellcraft? You'd have to have at LEAST a 496 to get that kinda umph and I still don't think you'd hit 62mph.

38-40 sounds a lot more reasonable for a top speed and a that's still quite a bit of boogie for a boat that size.

Was thinking the same thing. The most I can squeeze out of my 25 1/2 foot (on the Garmin 545-S) w/ a Big Block Mercruiser B1 at WOT is 51 and that is with a minimum load in her and running in nice water. Full load of passengers and gear is down to between 45 and 48. Don't even ask what the fuel consumption is at WOT.... LOL.

 

[Flysfloatsor]

Re: Need For Speed!!!

If you want to go fast, buy a fast boat. Dont spend tons of money (and it takes tons) trying to make a boat faster, its more expensive.
60 MPH is about all normal people can handle (Driver and Passengers)
Manufacturers believe this also. Even in "sport" (mass produced) boats they put enough power in the hull to make it go 58-63mph WOT.

My current boat is capable of 96mph GPS. (when Its working properly, HA!) But I rarely go over 55.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Need For Speed!!!

Fly, I tend to disagree about the speed of production boats. I find they are usually powered to go about 45MPH. As you know it takes a real steady hand and some concentration to keep under control, as you exceed 50MPH. I think it would too much of a liability if the production boats went 50+.

 

[briangcc]

Re: Need For Speed!!!

Fly, I tend to disagree about the speed of production boats. I find they are usually powered to go about 45MPH. As you know it takes a real steady hand and some concentration to keep under control, as you exceed 50MPH. I think it would too much of a liability if the production boats went 50+.

Hate to be the bearer of bad news but my '05 Four Winns 200Le will do 50-55 on GPS (depending on load & water conditions). It has the factory 5.0L Volvo (270HP) with SX-M drive (unknown pitch prop - I've honestly never checked). Same model year, Glastron had the option of the 5.7L Volvo (300HP) on same sized boat so I'd wager that topped out somewhere in the 55-60 mph range.

Now, if you're talking what most marinas will order, I have found that they'll order this size boat, 19'6", with the 4.3L (200-220HP) which probably tops out around your 40-45mph. Which is still plenty for most people/sports/whatnot.

**I went big as its easier to back off the throttle than it is to add HP when you need it. Next one will more than likely have the 5.7L as I do have a good case of 2 foot itis. Unfortunately my check book won't allow me to take care of that at the moment...

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: Need For Speed!!!

60 MPH is about all normal people can handle (Driver and Passengers)

There's a pretty wide range of "normal" people out there. My son loves sitting in the bow seat at 65, the wife - not so much. (At least at that speed I can't hear her screaming at me to slow down ).

 

[Flysfloatsor]

Re: Need For Speed!!!

I agree about the wide range of "normal" people. I can say that I have been in the bow seat of an open bow at around 60, and after bounching and mushing my soft parts for a little while - I had enough.

Im a subscriber to Boating magazine, and in alot of their test reviews of new boats of the "Sport" category, I recall WOT ratings in the upper 50's - LOW 60's if its got the upgraded power.

Bass boats being the exception.

Ive gone fast in small boats, and never felt real safe. I would love to ride in a big go fast V or cat, with some mightmare inducing power to see if it "feels" safe. I dont run with that crowd though.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Need For Speed!!!

I was able to run at a sustained 62 MPH by GPS at 4900 RPM. We had to run from a storm today too. I smoked a Jet Ski and a loaded down Bayliner running to the channel home.

I have a Bayliner 185BR with 220hp MPI V6. Runs 55-58 in ideal conditions.
Running from a storm usually includes 1-3 ft waves.
I would get airborne at anything much over 20!
Getting there at all, is more important than getting there NOW!