So I bought a 232 with a 7.4mpi this year and when i first put it in the water it would go 60 with 3 people in it. Yesterday I GPS'd it and it would only go 52 with 4 of us. I have not changed a thing on the boat. Is it possible i nicked the prop where it would hurt mph but not vibrate and stuff?

What were the atmospheric conditions of the two days compared to each other (was one 50* and no humidity and the other 99* and 90% humidity)? Was it the same water (salt vs. fresh)? Was it the same fuel quantity for both runs (fuel vs. empty)?

There could be more variables than you realize.

I assume you checked the prop after the run and before posting.

Speed is an ugly *****!

I'm assuming it doesn't stay in the water?? My parent's pontoon sits in the water on Norris Lake. It loses about 10-12 MPH over the course of the summer with VERY minimal slime on the toons. We usually pull it and pressure wash the toons once or twice during boating season.

you guys got me! I'm an rookie when it comes to boats.
It's the same water but it was a lot hotter and yea the boat does sit in the water so i'm guessing that has a lot to do with it.

Ive been racing cars for 13 years and as much as heat slows down a car my drag cars never lose that kind of MPH. This is a whole new ball game for me tho!

thanks guys for the lesson!

The heat and humidity will get you as well the crap that builds on the bottom. Friction is your speed's greatest enemy. Get her up and out of the water and give her a good scrubbing and waxing. A nice cool morning/day with low humidity and just real light chop to break surface tension and she'll fly!

We weren't trying to get you.

Just maybe have you look at other factors rather than the prop. Speaking of the prop you'd know it if something hit it. Are you running a stainless prop, I am sure you are but just thought I'd ask?

That is another good point. And if you can do it with a tailwind even better.

540 -2 shortie should do the trick.