Finally got it in the water,Dano said he was very impressed,and he doesn't impress easily. Our handheld GPS for some reason would not lock on a signal,but the speedo read 80-81 in glassy smooth water so I figure easy mid 70's or maybe better with a little chop and a lighter fuel load. Will try to get a more detailed report with a GPS tomorrow but I have a feeling Rippem was right all along,maybe everybody doesn't need blue motors BTW,I don't really consider this a Sport since I ordered it with most everything a regular 353 has including Lathum steering,so it's really just a 353 with smaller motors and a pretty good price savings. Thanks,Formula.

what props did you choose for that run Robert?

Mine'll do 77-78 on the speedo in a little chop with all the options, 2 people or more, 1/2 or more of fuel, and a full water tank up front. I call it 73 real MPH.

So 75/76 GPS is a good number for that boat I'll bet.

30K for 5 MPH didn't make sense to me.

not to mention the 20-30% less fuel burn across the board, and the couple hundred less for insurance with the black power.

Boat was shipped with non-labbed 28" B1's. Dano said acceleration,rpms,good bow lift, was right on the money. I will run it tomorrow myself. Unfortunately my GPS has permanently OD'ed,if I can't find one Sat it will be speedo and seat of the pants only,but I should have some good input,especially if my buddy comes by in his 525/Stellings 353. Robert

You may remember my opinion of 28's on my boat. The 26's are zippy and run 5000 on the nose. I'd like to know what WOT RPM you see in that boat with the 28's. Take note and post please. Thanks.

all things considered I don't feel too bad.

you and I'd be pretty much a dead heat in a race huh?

Just ran it,5100 RPM,that's very close to the rev limiter,probrably 28 labs would hit the limiter,stock 26's would be way over. Will have a new handheld GPS Tues and can get some real speed #'s, but it is pretty impressive,jumps right up on plane and has a nice sound with Corsa thru hull mufflers instead of the Silent Thunder box. I still prefer my motors blue and I never stocked 353's without them but I will now stock both. The 600 boat will be here in a few days and there is about 100K difference in actual selling price.For that kind of difference you could get an extra 271 for your wife or girlfriend Like someone said a long time ago "You pays your money and you takes your choice". I see a market for the 496 boat,the 525 boat,and the 600 boat.All in all,pretty nice choices. Robert

no kidding...maybe my tachs are off (or yours?). Can't imagine I'm hitting limiters 'cause I got no tach needle stutter. If yours will pull box 30's, they painted 'em the wrong color.

I gotta look more into this on my end...

of course engines differ, looking for speed #'s regardless of RPM.

I'm doing the Corsa bit myself here soon, thanks Troutly.

Read the earlier post,mine are stock 28's,not 30's. The Sport uses non labbed props.

I was just saying IF it could pull 30's (in jest)...as the 28's are damn near the limiters.

be sure and post that speed when you get one Robert.

We'll see Tues.