Post Your Classic's Top Speed

[Bryan Hall]

78 260 express, 5000lb , 2yr old 350 /325hp, old factory prop, 2 adults, 1 kid, 1/2 tank of gas. 34 MPH on gps @ 3900. Motor still fresh, should go 38-40 with new prop & motor tuned to prop. May get more...could use some input if ya have any thoughts.

 

[Bryan Hall]

78 260 express 5.7L 4200rpm @ 34 MPH on gps

 

[Mikebull]

Well nobody said anything about a 89 220 CC 5.7 alpha one I get 33 mph at 4200 rpm and was wondering if that was normal with the 17 P prop

 

[Cdtruckn]

38 mph GPS fully loaded 200 gallons of fuel 7.5 koller on demand genset 15, 800 lbs twin 350 strokers at 4,000 rpm still under proped

 

[El Capitan]

1970 SRV 180
2.5L 120 hp mercruiser
3-blade SS prop = 25mph cruise @3200 rpm 3 adults 3/4 tank.
Top speed @4200-4400 rpm 35-36mph by iPhone gps.

4-blade Aluminum prop = 15mph cruise @ 3200 rpm. 18mph @ 3500 rpm. Same load.
Top speed @ 4400-4600 rpm 22-24mph iPhone GPS.

4-blade is 14”
3-blade is 15”

 

[Cheap Guy]

No idea why this thread doesn’t get much play, seems like it would be extremely helpful for new and seasoned boaters alike.

Here are my numbers for my 1989 Sundancer 250DA, 5.7 260, Alpha 1 1:50 drive - usually run with no more than four people, never less than a half tank, no water.

When running perfect, with the four blade 15x16 prop I had on it for years, it would top out at best around 22-24 mph on flat water. Never really came close to the stock WOT - usually topping out around 4000 rpm. Cruise was around 18 mph around 3000 rpm. It would practically stand straight up when pushing the throttle full blast from stand still.

Recently went back to the recommended stock three blade 15.25x15 prop and it’s running around 30 mph at 4200 rpm - just didn’t feel comfy pushing it to the listed 4600 WOT, but it felt it had it in it. Cruise speed was a nice 21 mph at 3500. The hole shot obviously isn’t as good with the 3 blade, debating whether I’ll take the higher top end over the much stronger pull and quicker planing of the four blade.

 

[Skybolt]

No idea why this thread doesn’t get much play, seems like it would be extremely helpful for new and seasoned boaters alike. ...

My previous 86' 340 had crusaders (454) in it and @4200 RPM ~30 mph, it was a straight shaft EC. Great boat and had much more room then the Dancers.

My current 88 46' (not that their are many of these around any more) is diesel with Detroit's (6v92) and @ 2350 RPM ~32mph but cruises @ 1850 RPM and ~22-23 MPH. This boat show's 27,000 lbs on the brochure, but that is without engines as I have come to find out. All in with fuel and water weighs ~36K lbs.

 

[Pirate Lady]

No idea why this thread doesn’t get much play, seems like it would be extremely helpful for new and seasoned boaters alike.

Here are my numbers for my 1989 Sundancer 250DA, 5.7 260, Alpha 1 1:50 drive - usually run with no more than four people, never less than a half tank, no water.

When running perfect, with the four blade 15x16 prop I had on it for years, it would top out at best around 22-24 mph on flat water. Never really came close to the stock WOT - usually topping out around 4000 rpm. Cruise was around 18 mph around 3000 rpm. It would practically stand straight up when pushing the throttle full blast from stand still.

Recently went back to the recommended stock three blade 15.25x15 prop and it’s running around 30 mph at 4200 rpm - just didn’t feel comfy pushing it to the listed 4600 WOT, but it felt it had it in it. Cruise speed was a nice 21 mph at 3500. The hole shot obviously isn’t as good with the 3 blade, debating whether I’ll take the higher top end over the much stronger pull and quicker planing of the four blade.

Love my big block 7.4 Bravo1, on plane at 2800, cruising at 3000rpm 24mph. it doesn't even breath heavy. By 3500 she is at 31mph. Don't know top speed, never went there.

 

[Thornton69]

Our heavy old 245 tickles 40 mph on the pin. Seems to get a bit squirrely there though like it is bumping back and forth off the chines. Might just be the larger single prop but wouldn't want to be going any faster with this hull.