Top speed

[craigman]

Fellas,
i have a 1971 16' Reinell trihull with a 85hp Merc on it.
I know it's hard to answer this question, but looking for a ball park figure.
What do you think top speed would be? I'm totally new to boating so that's the reason i'm asking. I'm guesing 35-40?
Any suggestions?

Thanks for your time!
Craig

 

[Chris's CVX16]

Re: Top speed

Well if it is anything like my '69 Glastron V156/80HP Merc combo and proped correctly then I'd answer yes upper 30's is about right. I have a 2 blade speed prop that saw 41 on the speedo but generally 37 or 38 was about it with the 19" pitch prop that is on there now.

 

[stylesabu]

Re: Top speed

thats about right, i have 16' sylvan deep v hull with 75 hp suzuki on it,it hits 37 with 2 people.If you go to prop section.the guys there can help you get max speed,with right prop, and motor height

 

[craigman]

Re: Top speed

Awsome thanks!


Craig

 

[brumbyvet]

Re: Top speed

I used to have a 77 ArrowGlass, 15'6, with a 85 hp Chrysler and it would run 47 mph. I would guess low 40's foy yours.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Top speed

I used to have a 77 ArrowGlass, 15'6, with a 85 hp Chrysler and it would run 47 mph. I would guess low 40's foy yours.

was that on a speedo or gps? That is EXTREMELY optimistic! I've had a couple different 16' trihulls with 85's on them. None would break 40 with a 'normal' prop on. (could probably have gotten 40+ with a tiny high pitch prop, and had no low end whatsoever)

 

[robert graham]

Re: Top speed

Maybe get a hand-held GPS and check the speed?....

 

[packkratt]

Re: Top speed

I can get to 40mph (per gps) in my 15' trihull with an 85 on the back,

 

[craigman]

Re: Top speed

What kind of GPS's are you guys using? Sounds interersting..
Anyone have a link of what your using?

Craig

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Top speed

Same one you use in the car. I have a crap TomTom One but it tells you your speed.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Top speed

I ahev a garmin Oregon, but you can get a cheap handheld for around $100 +/-

 

[brumbyvet]

Re: Top speed

Maybe get a hand-held GPS and check the speed?....

I sold that boat in 1980 so it was way before GPS. I feel fairly confident in the speeds it would run. The Arrow Glass had a performance pad hull and the Chrysler 3 cyl. outboards were some of the fastest motors in that HP range. The Chrysler's were the lightest weight of any motor in that class. I could run with the bass boats with 115 Mercs, which were very popular in those days. Six months after I sold it, the motor blew up...