Rage Frustrations
 

Dont get me wrong, I love my Rage, just venting a little.
First, all ive heard is the Rages are at least a 70 mph boat.
I have hit 65 on gps hitt"n rev limiter @ 5150 and have pushed Throttle 3 more clicks up to see whats left for full throttle. Talked with B Blades and they thought I would not get much more than 100 rpms with my #"s and that dont get me far. Hell I wanted to upgrade from my 21 islander 454 and it ran consistant 65 gps.
Also, My plan was to put drop down bolsters in it but Nordics response was bolsters was to high for boat and if they were to cut down legs the drop down would not clear floor. Since that reply this past weekend the passenger seat broke loose and fell off. (swivel-eze) Broke!

Again just feeling frustration.
Its A 496 HO closed bow with 24P bravo 1. Dont really get the prop situation?

It sure Sucks to hear about your broken seat. I too am coming from 21' Islander but I'm looking at a 22' EVO instead of the Rage I always wanted. I have always heard the RAGE was a BIG boat that needs good 400+ HP to get into the 70's but with a 496HO you should be there.
We just recently sold our 1997 Baja and now I'm really itching to get into something new...hopfully before the next Mississippi River trip in July! Chad

You might need to move up to a bigger prop if you are on the rev limiter.
Top speed has a lot of variables.
For example my rage with the 525 topped out at 82 when they tested it in the mag(26 pitch bravo 1). But I haven't seen anything close, but I loaded all my crap in the boat after I bought it. The air temp is a lot hotter, gas tanks are full and I usually have a few extra people, don't forget a cooler full of drinks. I was topping out at about 76 at havasu last week while at the regatta. When I move up to 4200 feet in utah I loose more mph.
Your right the rage doesn't have the free board needed for drop downs.

Not sure what sea level you are at, but if you are close to 780 you will need a 26 pitch bravo 1. Mine will run 78 mph on gps with 1/2 fuel, 2 people, and a little chop. Mine could be for sell if anyone interested, wanting to go bigger.

I would go up 1 size in prop. 26 or possibly labbed 28 (I have, don't want). That will get you 70 unless there's something else going on.
Never heard of a seat breaking, perhaps it was loose & allowed movement?
I would put a stock Rage above Baja, anytime anywhere!

Here are Rage we did for a customer! 82 gps

Tim
oregoncustommarine.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZKrtMmEP9s

^^There seems to be quite a discrepency between 65mph, 70mph, 78mph, and 82mph....all with essentially the same 496HO engine. I know elevation may scrub a few mph off and headers may add 1-2 mph.....but c'mon.....82mph with 425-440 hp in a 25 Nordic Rage??

Let's assume a mild elevation (0-700 ft. above sea level)....what is a realistic GPS speed for the Rage with the 496HO??

My Heat open-bow occasionally touches 65 (under ideal conditions) with the 496HO. You should be well north of 65 with the same motor in your Rage -- unless you're dragging or carrying bricks.

Im around the 580 elevation here and with 2 people, full gas, and empty boat I can hit 65 until rev limiter hits.
BBlades is sending out a 26p labbed today for test but they seem to think a 28 is too much. I'm hoping new blades will work out for me.

As for the seats this is a link to a boat that I considered buying before mine. It has drop down bolsters so I thought it would be an easy option to upgrade.
I'm going to try to contact the seller about them.
Hope the link is ok. If not I'll remove.

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/20...-RAGE-95760606