Very excited to hear more info on this new cat

milling pics would be better



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Thanks Daren, it was definitely fast as an inboard - but we'll have to see how it does with outboards. The best #s I know of so far for 30 Skater outboard boats are 111 for Ron's 30 w/ 300Xs and 114 for Steve's 318 w/ 400Rs - so I know that Pete and I have our work cut out for us to get to my goal of 120+ with my rig. I sure like the fuel mileage #s I'm seeing out of your setup! I didn't think those 400Rs would do near that well. I think your mileage and speed are both going to increase once you get some bigger wheels on that rig!

Another great pull with the Merc CNC 33" and 50 Gallons of fuel.

That's awesome Daren! Looks like Mercury is still under-rating the pitch on their big cleavers. Those numbers equate to less than 1% slip - which we all know is impossible. Merc cleavers are typically rated approximately 1" less pitch than they actually are - at least that's what I've found with my experience with them. The Merc 16.5" x 35" 5 blades I ran on my 30 went 156mph @ 6,200 w/ a 1.34 gear - which only computes out to 153mph. Yet the 16.5" x 37" 5 blade Herings I had went 158 @ 6,600rpm - which computes out to 8% slip. I just came to the conclusion that Merc cleavers were under-rated about 1" and Herings were over-rated about 1". And this wasn't based on just one set of Mercs and one set of Herings - I had two sets of each on my 30 at some point over the course of owning it, and they all seemed to be the same as far as pitch rating went. Hurry up and get those Dewald 35s on there will ya, I'd love to hear how they run! It seems like those Merc 33s could possibly get you that elusive 125 mark if you ran it empty on fuel on a cool day.

That is great to see Darren. Are those props 15 1/4" or 15" in diameter?
Would love to try a set of 31's on my boat.

The prop shop Frank and Jimmies down here has a machine that can check the pitch of each blade. Since you are racing with Gary Ballough FJ Propellors you should have them check them out. It would be interesting to see if what Dale says is true with them. If so sure would make them look very good.

Hey Daren, were you ever able to get in a good run with the 34" Mercs, or Dewalds? I'm guessing your season will be shutting down soon, I was hoping to hear you bust the 125 mark before you put your rig away for the Winter.

Dale, conditions up here have not been favorable. Where I boat has been windy and rough. Last time I ran the boat there were 4' waves and 20-30 mph winds so was not able to get a good run. I am very confident the boat will run 125 with the 34" Mercs. I just brought my boat back to florida and stopped to see Doug Sr. to talk about the new 35RT that is coming out. My boat will be at Grant's for the winter. Down there I am sure we will have the time and water to run the boat and get some good numbers. I was told the closed canopy/400R DW boat ran 126.

How is your boat coming?

Definitely going to have to get some better conditions than that to run 120+! I talked to Doug Jr about the new 35 right after I decided I wanted to go back to outboards - it sounds like it will be an awesome rig! I don't doubt they've got the enclosed 32 running that #, and I'm certain yours will get the same - or better. It's just a matter of time before the perfect combination is stumbled upon with these 400Rs - and somebody eclipses the 130 mark.

I fly back to Skater this coming Sunday - I'll be waiting for Pete to get there at daybreak Monday! Lol I'll get plenty of pics, and hopefully have a rendering of what it will look like after I get with Steve (Schulte, their painter) for a few hours.

I look forward to seeing how it's coming! I will be in Key West all next week racing but will be sure to check it out as soon as I get back. Very excited to see what you guys are up to!!

Good luck down there Daren! And be sure to take some "in-cockpit cam" video to show us all what it's like racing The Worlds. Some of the best video I've watched was from the cockpit vantage point of the Stock class boats taken last year!