So I now have the correct geared lower unit on my 260, a 496 mag, and a 26P Bravo I Prop. I called Velocity to verify the correct prop and was told the 26P is standard on the Velcoity 260 w/496 mag. I have taken the boat into a mechanic and had him plug it into his laptop. Only thing wrong was the Idle Air Solenoid. Also it looks like my Tach reads 150 RPM to high. (example: tach reads 1000 RPM, actual is 850 RPM) I have since replaced the Idle Air Solenoid, which helped my idle when cold and pretty much took care of the rich condition that was causing a bit of soot on the transom. I still have a small amount but was told that is normal, as they are designed to run a bit rich when cold... I have run with and without a flame arrestor (testing only) and have pretty much hit the same wall. At 3500 RPM (on the tach)the boat runs around 40 mph (GPS) give or take a few MPH based on current. At about 4500 on the Tach (so actual is about 4350) the boat is running at around 58 MPH. This is at 3/4 throttle (may be a tiny bit more). I have trimmed it out until she begins to loose speed, then drop it back in until the speed is back. Here is where my issue begins, There is almost no differnce from 3/4 throttle and full throttle. I can't get any more RPM out of it and I do not notice any difference in the motor sound or feel. Right now with 1/2 tank of gas I only have seen 62 MPH on GPS once or twice. This is running with a pretty decent current. The dash speedo says right around 70....... I was told this boat is capable of 72. Is this a speedo reading or GPS? So here are my questions, is this 72 MPH number taken in salt water? How much difference is there between running in salt water and fresh water? Also how much speed is scrubbed off by 1/2 tank of gas (40 gallons). Also I do have about 350lbs of extra battery and stereo equipment on board. Do my numbers sound right or is there another 5+ MPH hiding somewhere. And before it is suggested, I have tried moving the 45 lb subwoofer enclosure from inside the cabin to the cockpit, no difference. Also I have been told there should be about a 3' rooster tail when trimmed out right. If I trim it out that far she begins to get real loose and looses speed. I will usually operate the boat in the 3200-3800 RPM range, as I am really in no hurry to get anywhere...... But just knowing there maybe a bit more there is really beginning to eat at me. Should I just shut the F%&# up and enjoy it the way it is????

I think you should see 70 all day long even with a full tank and passengers. 496 should run 4600-4900 rpm wot. You might have a little to much prop. It wont let engine get up enough rpm. That is assuming engine is running properly and throttle linkage is operating properly.

Powerboat Magazine tested a 1996 260 with a 496 Mag and it recorded 70.8 MPH. You can download a copy of this October 2005 test from their website for $3.99. They ran a 28" Bravo which equates to a 26" Hydro since Bravo pitches are overrated.

It looks like you have an engine issue since you're not getting anything extra out of the last 1/4 throttle and since there's too big of a discrepancy to account for salt vs. fresh water and weight. Hopefully it's just electronic given the flakey tach situation or perhap a gas issue since the boat was sitting for a while and things got gummed up.

You won't throw a 3' rooster tail with a standard drive height so ignore that comment. Some other 260 owners can likely tell you their optimal trim setting.

Unless the engine is just tired, I'd continue to chase down the problem before it gets worse. Good luck.

Thanx, I am going to try out a 28p prop and see what it gets me. I don't think the engine is tired. When we hooked it up the the smartcraft software, it showe 218 hrs on the motor. The software also shows how many hours are in different RPM ranges. It has not spent much time over 4000 RPM. Although I have not done a leak down test as of yet.... I will pull the plugs next. Also the gas thing maybe an issue. It came to me with 3/4 of a tank....God only knows how long that was in there. I have been putting premium in it every time, and have also run a quicksilver fuel treatment in it.

I will check the throttle linkage again as well. But the mechanic said it appeard to be a full stroke.

That is what concerned me is between 3/4 and full throttle I felt no additional load on the motor.

Also how long does it take a 260 up to top speed? My baja 250 would reach it's top speed of 50 mph fairly quickly, maybe I am not giving it enuff time to reach it's top speed...

Just read the test Power Boat Mag did on a 2005 Velocity 260, they were able to get 70.8 with a 28p prop. SO looks like that will be my next step. Then I will go from there.

Hell after reading the review (that was done with 14 other boats), even at 62 MPH that is still pretty good compared to other models running the same power...

i would try giveing her a tune up, new plugs, wires, and cap and rotor, couldnt hurt, it might just wake her up, my dodge started running like crap last year, ran fine until i laid into the peddle it wouldnt get out of its own way, new plugs, wires, and cap and rotor, and it ran like new again, give her a tune up my man it work wonders

Did a plug check everything looks good, verified by my merc. mechanic. I may look into wires. It is a 496 MAG, Each cylinder has a coil, no cap/rotor.

I would also suggest that you drain the tank and run fresh fuel.

My friend has a 260. Had the same issue. The ethenol ate the inside of the fuel line and pluged the injectors a bit. The boat would not go over 3500 rpms in the water with a load but would rev up on the trailer. Does it have a in line filter or just the one on the eng. We puled the in line and it was pluged with black soot. This boat sat for a bit.

It does have an inline filter, I might check that.