I get low 60s on the GPS. I love the boat, it is the perfect size for the lakes I run in and will hang with some of the bigger boats, plus the 454 with open pipes (silent choice) gets lots of attention . I am very happy with mine, it is my first boat like this. I want to do single hydro steering and planes, but I have some other issues to fix first. Like you, my upholstery is out right now getting a once over. I plan to upgrade some components, carb, intake, cam, exhaust to get a little more out of it, but I don't want to sacrifice low end, reliability or economy (with a snicker) in the process.

If you do a search there are a few threads about this same topic. I had one with a 7.4 Bravo combo and I found the best ski prop was a 22 Bravo. I felt the K-Planes I installed weren't worth what I spent, I didn't even use the K-Planes for sking after I went to the 4 blade 22 Bravo. If I used them they just made a funkyer wake. I think with the less weight of a small block you are better off. For speed I found a 25 Mirage was best. Doug

I used to have a 22 1997 scarab had it for 10 years and through out the ten years I put the external steering and 12 x 18 eddie marine trim tabs imco power flow exhaust K&n air filter It had the 454 mag 385 H/P the boat ran 74 on gps at best with a 25 pitch prop three blade