Boat Speed

[Jonathan]

I just finished breaking in my new Outback this weekend. I was pulling a buddy barefooting and was shocked that I could barely hit 43 mph with the throttle wide open. He was trying to one-foot, but we just couldn't get fast enough. Does anyone know if this will change as I put more hours on the boat? I didn't have the boat loaded with people either...I think there was 3 of us in the boat.

Do I need a different prop...I am running what came on the boat.

Thanks.

[Smrtz]

Thats strange, I know I can bury the needle on mine no problem however I dunno about towing .. how fast do you have to go to barefoot usually? 40mph?

[Jonathan]

Usually we go about 40.
That is why I am a little concerned...How fast does your boat typically run wide open?

[Smrtz]

I used the GPS to calibrate the speedos and I can run it full out and the needle is burried I never checked to see full out with GPS but its @ 50 mph at least. I have about 50 hrs on the boat so far now.. I dont know that its gotten any faster.. I know there are different pitches of prop you can get but generally the change would be in torq not top end speed I think.. Lets wait Im sure Joe Techie will have some good insight for you

Jay

[Jonathan]

50 - wow. It doesn't seem like I am getting near that fast...What type of GPS do you use. I think I really need to get one. I cannot believe I am not getting that much top end speed. Maybe after it runs a little more I'll get more out of it.

[NH Moomba]

My boat tops out at about 43 or 44 by my GPS. It is a 2000 Outback LS with the factory prop and the MPI engine. When people ask me how many horsepower my boat is and I tell them 325, they always say "that thing must fly". I tell them inboards are more like high performance tractors.

[Smrtz]

Yep these boats are all about torque, not top speed!
Im pretty sure my GPS is made by Garmin. Great must have tool

Not only can you see what speed it is, If you navigate any lakes that you dont know very well it will record the path you take so you can stay within an area you knwo the depths once you go over it once.

Good tool to have!!

[pss3757]

guys...guys....

its all about the prop you have on your boat...3 blade...4 blade...the pitch, etc.

You cahnge the prop, you change the torque, up or down....speed, up or down. If you are really looking for more speed, get a 3 blade...

Talk to your dealer or prop shop about propellers and they will get you what you need.

ps

[Smrtz]

Thanks PS!

[pjtatro]

My XLV goes 24 mph and that is it. There is no need to go faster, no one with me wakeboards over 24 mph