I was running 73mph at around 5600 rpm with a 525sc motor. It dont sound like you are running a true 500 hp or maybe there is something else wrong like cam choice or inperfections in the hull.
I always ran B1 4 blades and found that the hull likes the drive to be set back and raised up about 2" . this will get you more speed and better handling

what did you use to set your drive back with??

A stern jack that I modified. I installed an extra heavy bearing, modified the bearing carrier so the bearing will not walk or tork to the side and manufactured my own intergraded steering brackets to help take some stress off the gimbol ring.

Honestly if you have over 500 hp and can get your hands on a 12" Imco box you would be better off.

Were also running an Imco 2" shorter drive.

The combination of the two will wake the boat up quite a bit.

Before you moved the drive back did you run just the shorty lower? if so how much mph did you pick up? i have access to both a shorty and a stern jack, but like you said im thinking of goin with a extension box, possibly the merc with the internal steering.. I know these hulls arent the fastest, any little bit helps tho

I have an 88. I cleaned up the bottom,there was a little hook in the pad, stiffened the hull under the engine compartment, runnning a little over 600hp/502 and I'm getting just 80-81 at about 5500rpm with a labbed 25pitched Mirage plus(it's a tru 26) and the boat handles well. The boat doesn't like four blades for top speed!! I have had my boat for going on 10years now. The boat ran 73-74 with 525hp.

what prop were you running with 525 hp to hit in the low 70s?

The same labbed Mirage plus. The faster the boat goes, the more efficient the slip ratio. More power, more rpm the faster I go!!



I'm telling you, the Mirage plus is the right prop for this boat. I sent mine out to Bronson/Hill in CA.

The #s that Tom posted sound right on. And he is correct about the slip factor Vs speed. The hull lifts out of the water at high 70's Handeling is important to me. the 3 blades are faster but the 4 handle better. I always ran the 4 blade. the 5 blade will manhandle that hull and blow drives.

After chatting with tom , I took his advise and sanded the bottom of my hull. I found a lot of inperfections and took out some of the factory hook. the boat handled better and went faster.

Your boat came out awesome! We really do need to hook up for a run this year! I'm not afraid to travel!

Would love to . there is a run this weekend on the Hudson and i was going to do the race on Lake george on the 22nd . unfortunatly last week i was cranking my friends MTI on the trailer and hyper extended my arm. I riped off the tendon that conects my bicep to the elbow. Im going in for bicep re attachment surgery tomorrow. I cant throtle my boat for a few weeks :picard1:

Im always looking for a good driver, let me know if your ever in the hudson valley or lake george area.

The boat is race ready and the new motor in almost 900 HP . It sould be fun :p