71.4 on GPS @5200 with a 500EFI. The original B1 26RH turned 5350 but went the same speed.

Maybe I'll get a Vortech or Whipple in my stocking for Christmas.

FC,
nice looking 29!

My '96. 69.7 on GPS with HP500 and 24 Hydro @ 5150 rpm. I took the tab spacers out and I don't think I really gained any speed, but she does feel looser when I pull the tabs all the way up.

Jana,

Looks like new! I didn't think the leaves ever came off the trees in Houston! Just about to leave for what will probably be my last run before the dredded winterization deal. Have a good one.

Thanks! I had the good fortune of finding a fresh-water one that had been garage-kept by both of its previous owners. The picture is actually in the driveway of the guy I bought her from - just north of Charlotte, NC. Now, she lives in an indoor drystack south of Houston.
Winterization - yuck! I remember that from when I lived in NJ. You need to move where it's warmer!

Tell me about it!! Saw you and your team in the article awhile back...looked like you were havin' fun. Did you ever get that hydraulic steering (fittings) squared away? I have the same system and wonder if it will be a problem at some time in the future. Good weekend to ya'.

G-

Fountainclimber...

Just rereading this post and curious as to what prop you are now running, I assume a B1 28" stock? If so, was there much of a change in holeshot or fuel consumption? Is your drive 1.50 or 1.65 on the 2002?

Later,

G-

Both props are Bravo 1's but the one that came with the boat definely spins higher. Top speed is the same as far as I can tell. The blade on the original cracked about 1 1/4 long on the leading edge. No other visible damage.

I am trying to get it welded up as a spare but nobody thinks it will last.

Yeah, we were having fun - for about the next five minutes! That Hot Boat picture was right before my engine started acting weird.
Anyway, the hydraulic steering thing appears to be either old age or someone at Fountain who was a bit overzealous with the crimper. The first fitting that broke had several little fractures in it besides the one that went all the way through. My mechanic got new hoses from a local hydraulic place and redid the whole thing. Haven't had a chance to check her out yet. I would say, just keep an eye on the fittings and periodically check them for cracking.

Fountainclimber - I cracked a Hydro last season and everybody said that it wasn't a matter of if welding would fail, but rather when it would fail. However, keeping it as a spare would probably be OK. I sold mine to someone on the board for his Donzi and let him get it welded, so I don't know how it held up.