Re: speed
The 14.5' you see in on the left does 30 mph top speed with just me and no extra gear/load. That is after "tuning" the prop and trim to reach the best performance and proper rpm at wot with a 40hp rated at the prop, (your 35hp being rated at the flywheel so the difference is more than 5hp). I think the boat weighs in at about 900lbs boat, motor & fuel.<br /><br />With a full load it does a constant 28mph.<br /><br />But the real fun is to get it in as tight a turn as possable at about 12mph, then hammer the throttle wide open and hang on as the rear end slides out and you counter steer to get it going straight again. More fun than driving rear wheel drive in the snow!<br /><br />Depending on the weight of your boat, I bet you could reach around 27-28mph or so. Depends on a lot of variables, but mid 20's is almost guaranteed. <br /><br />I bet the prop is old and showing some wear. Do yourself a favor and clean up the prop if it has nicks and chips. Get a file and some sand paper and smooth out the gouges before you go for a run. Nothing drastic, just make it smooth. <br /><br />Small boats are fun!
