Not quite but if you lay across the top & reach around the front of the manifolds was how I did it. Back in my younger days, Lol. Randy

88.3 GPS Speedo. at factory. I got 87.8 on my lake.

Thanks guys- this has been very helpful. For what it's worth, the guy I'm buying from said he's had this to 84mph with more left in it and the previous owner claimed 90.4gps.

I'm bringing a marine surveyor for my test drive this weekend to get it properly inspected. You guys have any boat-specific advice? Should I assume a 400 hour refresh will be needed? How do I know and what all is involved in that?

I personally wouldn't worry about rebuilds unless the boat seems to not be running correctly. Properly maintained and not run to hard mercury power will run for many hours and many years. Run the boat at all speeds and make sure she maintains rpm on both motors and temp and oil pressure is good. Also keep in mind boat gauges can be off a touch.

As far as top speed goes.... im sure she will fly. Not sure when step bottom started on 29 so maybe someone with first hand knowledge can chime in. There's a 29 fever at my baoat yard with 502 600 hp's with a strait bottom and he claims 90 ish. The boat should accelerate HARD. As far as top speed im sure it.will be more then sufficient!

That's a good question- anyone know when the 29s adopted the stepped hull?

I think google images answered my own question... 1995

I think a few boats had them in late 94', but 95 for sure.

Sounds like a real find. Im on my first step hull boat. Efficient and fast, definitely a different ride.