But bullet-proof. 570HP is getting up there for a Bravo-style drive. Props get more expensive too with the Indy drive so I understand it really raises the cost of the entire package.

With all due respect, what were your expectations for top speed and on what did you base them?

The boat ran within expectations of the Ilmor and Formula people. Is there more on the table? Yes. Is it a 90-mph propulsion package in a 9,600-pound V-bottom (dry) fuel of fuel? Probably not.

The point of using such a heavy platform is two-fold, and while I tried to make that clear in my stories I may not have been clear enough. So here goes.

1. Showcase an advanced LS-based engine in a "real world" production sportboat rather than something ultra-light and ultra-expensive.

2. Showcase the possibilities for other applications (mid-size catamarans, for example) of higher performance potential.

For those familiar with the 353, it is a pretty good number right out of the box.

Matt.. that is exactly what i was expecting was 90MPH

If a 353 with 500EFI's run 80 and a 525 boat runs 83 i would have thought 90. Maybe with some more dialing in it can get there.

I am not trying to start a pissing match here just my opinion.:drink:

these number are impressive! i think its a great platform and congrats to all involved

Not a pissing match at all, and not taken as such. We're just discussing stuff. All good.

What I wrote was that "the same model with a pair of Mercury Racing 525EFI engines reportedly tops out at 78 to 79 mph." Pretty big difference between the 525EFIs and the out-of-production 500s.

If the Ilmor 570 boats gets to 85 mph, I would consider that very good based on what I've seen from that boat with various powerplants, as well as what I've been told by people who have a lot more experience with it than I do.

Here's what we can say for sure: Dial in is not complete. As I wrote, by the time we finished our time on the water the engines had all of seven hours.

I'm going to guess that Formula has the drives too deep for the 5 blades to do there thing. I will bet that a set of bravo 4 blades will pick up a few mph, plus I'm sure that thing had a few extra people aboard and not running on the last drop of fuel to ekk out a number that looks good on the internet. Normally you don't get see a boat like this get dialed in. I'll save judgement until they say that is as fast as it will go.

Some old notes: 2006 353 Fastech 600 SC

20 hrs, 75 gal fuel ( half tank ), 2 people on board 78 degrees Prop= 32'' Maximus
Port 5225 rpm Star 5200 rpm 88.2 MPH GPS & Smartcraft

Haring 6 Blades ( 32" Maximus equivalent )
Port 5240 rpm Star 5200 rpm 86.6 MPH GPS & Smartcraft

Haring's smoother running, eliminated mid range propose.

Best Econ. 52 MPH = 1.38 to 1.40 MPG

Nice boat, good company, I just wanted to go faster.

So how far away from testing is the 565 boat? that will be a good apples to apples comparison. I hope both parties are up for it.

Bring back the 312 and put the 570s in.:whistle::whistle:
But Formula won't do it..