Hull Speed Capability for 2002 330SS
 

We've not had the 2002 330SS for a year yet, probably only got 15-20 hours on it since we bought it, but I'm wondering about more speed. With the newly re-conditioned props we'll see well north of 60, probably 65, I think, with our stock 498Mags. (With the dinged props we got to 60 briefly, but I didn't stay there but a few seconds since the props were not straight.)

Theoretically, if more horsepower was applied we'd go faster.

But, this isn't a Fas3tech hull. How fast is the 330SS hull designed to go safely?

Bottom line, it's probably not worth the cost to add a few MPH, but still.......

If you can get to 60 mph in the 330SS, I don't think you need to worry about going any faster. Having looked at the structure in my 330SS, I don't think it can safely absorb high speed landing impacts like the performance boats that Formula has made in the past, or the current FasTech series.

Just my opinion, based on looking at how the boat is built.

I've spent the money to go faster........in the end it's not worth it (just buy a faster boat!!)

Also, are you really doing over 60 on GPS or is that with the dream-o-meter? Either way enjoy the boat for what it is.

I think a 75mph 330SS would be absolutely awesome. I'm also in my 20's... So in this case, you should probably disregard my opinion

My parents 330SS with 496 mags. ran 60 once. now its a mid 50s with all there **** on it.

Admittedly it was on the stock speed guessometer. This year we'll GPS it and know for sure. In any event, it felt faster than the 53-55 we topped out at in our Baja 236.

I know we won't spend the cash, but it's nice to dream. Since the Mrs and I are approaching retirement and will have more time to cruise, our next boat will be more cruiser-oriented, so I gotta make the most of this one.

Cheers!

I know what you mean. The boat seems to draw all sort of crap into it, kind of like a black hole.

Thanks. How's the new-to-you boat? I think I remember your thread about the purchase last year.

I'm in my early 50s, but act like 20s. I heartily agree with you!

The boat is good . . .

http://home.comcast.net/~tpenfield/F.../IMG_0311a.jpg

However, I am realizing that it has its limits on the ocean. I may get a 311 or 336 for the windy days . . .

Similar length, narrower beam, more deadrise..... sounds great for big water! But that 330 looks nice.

In my 2006 330ss I went from Cape May to Manasquan Inlet in 2-3 ft seas at about 37 mph the entire way. Trying my best to stay with my friends Chris craft Stinger415. Boat did really well. It did pound. I developed spider cracks in the floor in front of the cuddy door from that trip.

That brings up a good point. The top hull speed is definitely conditional based on water conditions. I guess that is the trade-off when you get a beamier boat for the extra inside room.

Yup, a flat lake . . speed is no problem. In more open water and wave conditions, it is more of and issue. Here are a couple of photos comparing the structure of my 330SS and my earlier generation 242SS

242SS
http://home.comcast.net/%7Etpenfield...erCheck-31.jpg

330SS
http://home.comcast.net/~tpenfield/F...s/IMG_1014.jpg

The 242SS has the cockpit floor resting right on top of the stringer box structure, whereas the 330SS has the cockpit floor suspended above the stringer box.

When the 330 comes down off a wave the entire cockpit has several inches where it can flex downward. The cockpit is supported at the hull joint and several places along its length. Those points of support are probably what cause the spider cracks mentioned by shekmark. As the cockpit flexes downward the hull joint is likely to flex outward to compensate.

By contrast the 242SS has its cockpit right on top of the stringers, so it has nowhere to flex and is directly supported by the stringers in a wave impact situation (much better) You will rarely see floor cracking in this vintage of Formula. It is built to take a lot more of an impact that the newer 280 and 330 sunsports.

Thanks for the pictures and explanation. I guess boating is all about compromises, so maybe the higher, suspended flooring gives more room inside or something.

I know I'm not going to be running it too hard with gas prices where they are anyway!