The height of the drives is the main factor... the boat I mentioned earlier 28 Daytona with canopy had stock drives, no standoff boxes, with 30 in props. This boat was fresh off the trailer... with barely any adjustment at all... and ran so well.

However, there an ongoing debate whether or not the 28 or 33 for that matter need standoff boxes. How many of you guys out there have standoff boxes on your 28 or 33? If yes or no how fast?

Mine doesn't have the boxes.

My 28 TD has boxes and 500EFI's with raised rev limiters. Best I've gotten is 103 GPS with me and light fuel on a cool day. That was turning 30 bravos 5700 IN. Drives are ~ even to max 1" below bottom of pod. The 28's seem to be pretty weight sensitive so by the time you get all of your gear, coolers, and 4 batterys for the big stereo installed there is a couple of hundred pounds easy.

The season before last I had NO boxes and ran a best of 98 turning labbed 33 Bravos. (the 30's were on the limiters before I had them bumped) Acceleration was horrible with the labbed 33's. So, I guess I picked up 4-5 with boxes.

Remember gasoline weighs 6# per gallon so every 25 gallons is another "average" person in the boat.

In test conditions with a stripped down boat on fumes the 496 powered boats must run the number..... But I think you'll find something closer to 95-97 with boxes rigged "with all the extras" essential to boating.

I've found my boat only runs ~98 with full fuel and 5-6 people. 2 people and 1/2 tanks yields ~101. ME and 1/4 tanks ~102...you get the picture.....

I run TD 28 with boxes, shortie drives, windshield, MSD spare parts and a whole boatload of the wife's junk up front. Even a futon for our overnight trips. I took all the stuff out of the front one time for a local shoot out and it didn't seem to make a difference. The biggest difference I found was getting the weight out of the back.

I hear the windshield makes a couple of mph difference.

I wonder sometimes too about getting planed with the 30's and a full load. 32's would be tough, plus wouldn't be able too turn enough rpm's on top. More than likely would lug or stress the 496's.

I'm looking into the stage 2 Whipple kits $795 a piece for 3-4 mph on top end. Then you could add a pitch to the bravos or just spin them higher with the raised rev limiter. I'm actually looking to gain mid-range since that's where my boat is at 90% of the time when not idling. I'd like to get around 68-70 mph @ 3600 to 3800 rpm. I love 60-70 mph in the 28, it just feels rock solid and you could run it all day long.

Harper:
I have had 6 people full load of fuel and all the stuff that goes with them. Planning wasn't great but it did do it. I was complaining that it was taking long, but the other people on the boat didn't seem to think it was a problem, maybe I was just being to picky. But when steeping up to a 32 I am a little concern about the what it would plan like in that condition. According to the guy I talked with he said plaining wasn't an issue with him and the 32's. I know turning the RPM's wouldn't be a problem as I am bouncing the rev limiter with the 30's. I to also like the boat from 60 ish on up the ride is very nice. Actually even at 90 the boat was still very stable.

I have a 2002 28 Daytona with 496 Mags (375 hp) (no boxes) and it runs 85-88 consistently (depends on load) and on a cold day with light fuel 90.7. I find it hard to believe that an HO powered boat will run much more than 95 in perfect conditions.

The 90.7 was with 29" Hydromotive P5x's, but I have run 89.7 with unlabbed Bravo 30"s. In my testing the props didn't show any difference in top end, but the holeshot and midrange is much better with the 5 blades.

My minimum planing speed with the bravos was about 28mph I can maintain about 25mph with the hydromotives. I have heard that boats with boxes stay on plane at a lower speed true or not?

If anyone wants to reach me about different props I have tested I can be reached at 305-865-5255.

That can't be cat insurance! 10% deductible is a bit high, but the price is phenomenal!

When I was almost in a cat, I got quotes for 1,895 from Ace for a 28 with twin 496's. Maybe my cat experience factored in there.

I pay the same you are paying for 500k coverage and a V with a 525 (Progressive). I might just give your guy a call.

speed is a huge factor in a cat... keep it under a 100 and you are probably okay, if it calcs out over a hundered, bend over.... and it figures, mine goes 105 according to them..... i won't tell them it does 110