Any 80 mph + Cafes?
 

I'm thinking down the road for some improvements to my cafe and would like to get some ideas and advice on good set ups.

Speed on Gps?
Hp?
Torque?
Drives?
Lowers(stock or shorties)?
props?
prop rotation (in or out)?
Boost?

Thanks in advance.
Pat

I am interested to hear this as well.
I am running 500hp with CMI's, crosssovers, Bravo's 4 blade 24 p. Boat runs consistently in the low to mid 70's. With a good chop( 3ft ) I am seeing 75mph on gps. I am wondering if a set of labbed props would net anything. Boat won't break 71-72 in flat water.

I've never seen 75. The best I get is 71. 560 hp, CMI's, Bravo 4 blade 26 pitch, Bravo at stock length, No boost, and props rotating out.

I have never seen 75 either - I am a low 70's guy as well in the chop with full fuel. It might run 74 or 75 if I was light.

502's with small Weiand Blowers on them - I am guessing about 575hp??

I run Bravo 4 Blade 26's as well.

I have talked with a couple of Cafe guys with a similar set up to mine or maybe even a little more power that are not seeing the gps numbers I have seen. I have a Livorsi Tattle Tail gps with the top speed recorder as well as a Garmin hand held. I'm not sure why the boat runs as good as it does, maybe the salt water or currents in Long Island sound have something to do with it. Again I running Merc 500HP's Dart intakes CMI's cross overs, nothing real special it just runs good. I guess I am lucky to see these numbers. Prior to repowering I had stock 502's (415hp) that I added the CMI's crossovers and Holey 850's that would run a consistant 67-68mph. Are any of you running water pumps? I know they rob power although I am not sure how much. I also am not sure on my drive ratio.

Personnaly = 79.8 MPH - full fuel tanks - 4 guys - No chop - fresh water
Reported = 82.?? MPH (LOTO Shootout)
750 HP per side - 598 tall decks
Torque ??
3A's
Stock
3 blade cleavers - I think?? 28 pitch
Rotation - out
None - naturally Asp.

I think that one of the guys on here tried some boxes and shorties - maybe SKRAMER or SEA-DATED (just a guess). I am not sure they had measurable improvement with them.

I have been told that TRS and drives with transmissions require more horsepower then Bravos to achieve the same speed. Can anyone verify this?

thats also what i have read.

I think it is a combination of the fact that the transmissions are going to be parasitic, and also I beleive the drive on the TRS's is a little bulkier and therefore rob some speed.

Not to mention the slight extra weight from the Transmissions, and the changing of the center of gravity in the boat - moving it forward.

Comparing This set up to a simular set up (swapping out 3A for Bravo drives) would there be improved or decreased performance? I can see that 3A would cut through the water better then a bravo, however I bet 3As are heavier then Bravos.

The speedmasters will handle the higher HP much better than the bravos. You know the Cafes are not light. From your question - sounds like your hunting higher speeds. It takes HP to move a Cafe. It takes more HP to move one to the higher speeds. Heavy boat with high HP - avoid the bravo.

My 2.75 cents.

True but still a great ride in rough water......not mention good looking!

Yep ,,this is correct all transmision boats are slower with the same HP then a bravo boat !!!!

Wow...what RPM are you turning those 24's to get 75MPH?

Here's mine...

Speed on Gps? 80MPH (full of gas/sticky water) 85MPH (best- 15% slip)
Hp? 720
Torque? not sure
Drives? Bravo XRs
Lowers (stock or shorties)? 2" Shorties
props? 28 Bravos
prop rotation (in or out)? Out
Boost? 6lbs

I'm gonna try rotating the props "in" this summer, since the stern seems to need some lift.

Good question - I spin about 51-5200 with my 26 Bravo's and don't see 75

Your boat is also able to turn better props than a bravo, which makes a huge difference on how the boat stays hooked up. You're definitely right about how to make a Cafe or straight Gun go, throw horsepower at it, lots of it. :drink:

I am spinning it @5200rpms. It definately requires some trim, last year I had Brett at B Blades check out my numbers I don't remember what the slip % was but I do remember he thought it was pretty good. The rigging was done by Ocean Performance in Old Saybrook CT. I am really happy with it. I will get some pics of the GPS as soon as it gets warmer.

According to my math, that's around 4% slip with 1.5 ratio drives, or around 14% with 1.36 ratio drives.

Do you have 1.36 ratio drives?

I am not sure how can I verify the ratio?

If they are stock, I think you can take the serial numbers to a Merc dealer, and they can look it up.

You probably have 1.36 drives- I seriously doubt any Cafe' can get 4% slip...unless the tachs are off, it's on the trailer, or going downriver...lol.

http://www.performanceboats.com/html...nes_4-9-05.jpg

Those things look sweet! And thirsty!

Thanks! Yes...when they get wound up, you definately know you are not in a Prius...lol.

That's a nice looking engine bay you have there...I think our boats are the same year?

My boat is a 93. I love the job you did on your interior! I have always been a big Cafe fan.