Preformance exspectations?

Doug57

Seaman
Joined
Jan 6, 2010
Messages
58
I have a 18 ft 1984 Stratos 375V bass boat with an 84 Merc 150 Black Max. 14" 23P 4 blade Merc Trophy SS prop. No jack plate. I would guess loaded around 3000# I had to rebuild the motor due to the stabilization module shorting out. So the motor is fresh. After my break in what should I expectto see top speed to be at WOT?
 

skibrain

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 17, 2004
Messages
766
Re: Preformance exspectations?

I don't know that boat, but your weight seems high. I'd say too much pitch w/23". If you were under 2,000 lbs it might work better but I doubt you'd get the rpms. Wild guess estimate: 52 mph

A buddy's 18' Dynatrack F/S w/ same motor and 21" prop would do 62 mph.
 

Doug57

Seaman
Joined
Jan 6, 2010
Messages
58
Re: Preformance exspectations?

I may be way off on the weight. The plate in the boat says max capacity 1200 lbs. I use to have a 17.5 ft Monark with a 150. This boat was a v hull, no pad, I ran a 21P on it and get 62mph loaded and it was a pretty heavy hull. My son bought this boat last summer and I could never get more that 54-55 mph. but would get best speed at around 5300 to 5400 rpm. But motor had a bad stabilization module that effected timing. The boy my son bought the boat from said the boat would run mid 60's and that they use to ski behind it.
 

skibrain

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 17, 2004
Messages
766
Re: Preformance exspectations?

Your 3,000# figure = hull + motor + 1,200# max capacity?

Sounds like you're trying to verify that the previous owners claim of seeing 65 mph on the speedo (likely with driver only in the boat) is valid. I guess you'll find out come spring. Someone else can tell you what max rpm is for the Merc. Hull condition of a 26 yr old boat, accuracy of the speedometer...lots of factors.
 

Doug57

Seaman
Joined
Jan 6, 2010
Messages
58
Re: Preformance exspectations?

10-4 That's where I came up with 3000#. Yea, I keep telling my son I've never caught any fish running that fast. I'd rather jump out of the hole and run 50 than plow 50 or 75 feet and run 60.

Thanks
 
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