how fast in an open bow
 

I have never been in an open bow power boat. I was just wonderin what is the fastest you run with people up front. Better yet if you have rode up front whats it like. I love the idea of an open bow .......ever time i look at them i just cant help but think of someone flying out.

Not very. You are totally exposed to the wind and elements, you get bounced around a lot as the bow pops up and down, there's not mich to hold onto usually and the worst part is you're usually in a forward position with your legs up so your back takes all the pressure. Not very comfy to ride in at speed from what I've experienced.

I have been about 55 or so up there, and was happy to retreat to the rear when prompted that the speed was picking up. The mid cabin becomes a wind tunnel at about 90, shot an air born shoe like a football straight through, imagine kids and such? I will stick with my closed bow.

Depends on the conditions, common sense usually applies and who is up there, kids, your buddy etc. Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be much common sense these days...

Having a few people up front on mine always slowed the boat WAY down anyhow so it wasn't an issue since it wasn't a go-fast, only a 55mph boat.

Same here for me. We did the KY Lake fun run with 8 people and a full load of fuel (120gal) so we only got up to 52mph GPS but... Everyone who's ridden up front in my boat (in smooth water) has said that running at speed is great. They said the wind wasn't bad at all which amazes me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siFqy...e_gdata_player

ive never been in one but i bet this is one of the fastest bow riders (150 mph)

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...-plan-b-9.html

Smooth water and 30 - 35 MPH is optimal.

I cruise around 40 and have been as fast as 60 with people in the front. It is smoother than you would think up front as there is no water contacting the boat under the front pasengers, just riding on air.

I usually have everyone move to the back of the boat when running fast. There have been times when I have gone fast with people up front, really depends on conditions, who is in the boat, etc.

I have always had closed bow boats and this is the first open bow I have owned and has a top speed of 80 mph but I do not go over 50mph with people up there(glass water) as I am concerned about ejection and it is hard to read the water with bodies in the way not to meantion the boat trying to bow steer with the weight in it.If the water is rough I put them in the cockpit at any speed,just not comfortable with them up there.I have ridden there once and although it is a nice ride I like the seat with the wheel and sticks in it.

It was myself and two girls up front and my buddy on the bench seat going 66 mph gps... water is glass and its always a good time.

Depends on the boat. In our old 32 Envision I had no problem with the kids riding up front at 60 mph in water that wasn't too rough. But that boat has deep bow seats with hand rails all around.

40-45 max, then the kids all retreat to the rear to get out of the wind. waters gotta be like glass tho

Thanos for all answers...... any bad storys.....sounds like its rather safe.

Yep! What he said! Been in a few up near 80 on flat water and in some slop. Once in a past boat I popped a 200# dude from the front over the winshield to the back seat. After that I wouldn't let anyone ride up there. Not to mention the design challenges if it was stuffed at a high speed.

Same here.

If I plan on getting down I move everyone to the back. When boat is running around 45, every person I move to the back the boat would pick up about 3mph.

Yikes!!:eekdrop:

LMAO! That had to be quite a ride. I've bounced a 240# guy in to the air but he really wanted to be up front.

Surprised so many people don't like being on the open bow. I can't keep my damn friends out of it. They always complain when I want to go fast and tell them to get back. I'll cruise about 45 with people in the front of my Dominator unless it is a full on Lake Travis washing machine and it seems pretty safe. But it is also pretty deep up there.

I will stick with my closed bow.http://www.bdoh.info/7.jpg

78 mph, on a light chop and no boat traffic of course. Everybody that has ridden up front in my Dominator says its an absolute thrill ride.

It's all about water conditions & ability of passengers. The wife tells methe wind in the bow is very light in the sunny because of the tall sides. Have gone as fast as 70 with people up there on glass water with no boats around & have had to pull it back to idle for a smooth cross over a big cruiser wake. Just be smart & pay attention to the water & other boats.

Well said :)

And... I bet each of us took out that pesky little sticker in the bow...