Top Speed

[TEutis]

I have a 20' Caravelle 206 BR (8'6 beam) with a 5.0L carbureted engine and alpha one outdrive. I'm using a stainless prop that is 14 diameter x 19 pitch. I'm reaching a top speed of around 48 mph at 4800 rpm WOT. I'm just wondering if this is the norm since a lot of my buddies with smaller V-6 engines are getting more speed than me. I should mention my boat has a wakeboard tower so there is some extra weight and drag. Thanks for your advice and let me know if you need more information.

 

[ryanr623]

Re: Top Speed

I have a 20' Caravelle 206 BR (8'6 beam) with a 5.0L carbureted engine and alpha one outdrive. I'm using a stainless prop that is 14 diameter x 19 pitch. I'm reaching a top speed of around 48 mph at 4800 rpm WOT. I'm just wondering if this is the norm since a lot of my buddies with smaller V-6 engines are getting more speed than me. I should mention my boat has a wakeboard tower so there is some extra weight and drag. Thanks for your advice and let me know if you need more information.

This probably should be in the general or prop section.

Sounds about right. You could get a few more MPH with a 21 pitch im sure. How old is the engine? It may be tired.... plus a while back the 5.0 was only rated around 200hp, and my 4.3 is rated at 190hp. So your buddies smaller, lighter 4.3 will be faster.

 

[Robbabob]

Re: Top Speed

Hi TEutis,

A few little items like your boat weight and rate engine max rpm and HP will be helpful, view this link http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=287818 to be sure you give enough information.

Perhaps your friends aren't pushing an much water as you. What is their weight and hull design? Do you carry more toys/gear/chests than them? We have to assume you are trimming properly, as well.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Top Speed

I think that is excellent speed, for that setup. Have you measured it using a GPS, or some other method?

 

[TEutis]

Re: Top Speed

Robabob,

To answer your questions:

1) wondering if my top speed is consistent with my motor and prop.

2) & 3) don't know prop manufacturer but it is 14 diameter, 19 pitch stainless

4) WOT 4800 rpm at 44-48 mph depending on water conditions - with 2 adults and 2 kids approx. 540 lbs. - wakeboard tower as well

5) 1995 Chevy 5.0L V8 carbureted - thought it was 220 hp but may be lower per ryanr's comments above

6) 95 Carvelle 206 BR - 20' - 2900 stock weight

And yes, I am confident I am trimmed properly

 

[TEutis]

Re: Top Speed

speed via gps

 

[cr2k]

Re: Top Speed

Have yo weighed the boat recently? Why? Because in "older" boats there can be (not always is) a significant amount of water logging in the flotation foam. This can add extra weight usually at the rear of the boat.

Also is your carb a 2bbl or a 4bbl? Makes about 30+ HP difference. Find your recommended WOT RPMs and prop accordingly with your usual load of ppl, stuff and fuel.

But your speed is close to what is should be. If this is a ski/WB tow boat they are not made for top speed. A WB boat is made for max wake which is not compatible with high speed.

 

[vector4]

Re: Top Speed

Have you raced your buddies? Or just going by what they said. Most MPH speeds given by boaters are wrong, go out on the same day, same water and open them up and then see if they are faster than you. You might be surprised when you walk away.

 

[TEutis]

Re: Top Speed

My references are head to head with 4.3 liter engines. Sounds like I'm in the ballgame for my boat and that's what I was looking for. Just wanted to make sure I didn't have a problem with my prop or engine. I will weigh my boat next time before going out. It's not a wakeboard boat, it just had a wakeboard tower put on it by the previous owner.

 

[ryanr623]

Re: Top Speed

My references are head to head with 4.3 liter engines. Sounds like I'm in the ballgame for my boat and that's what I was looking for. Just wanted to make sure I didn't have a problem with my prop or engine. I will weigh my boat next time before going out. It's not a wakeboard boat, it just had a wakeboard tower put on it by the previous owner.

Yeah it sounds right to me. You could put on a 21p prop and gain a couple MPH if thats what you want.

Like i said, your buddies smaller, lighter 4.3 with almost the same HP (depending on carb) SHOULD be faster.