New to me Savage 2001 500EFI xz drive. Just had the motor rebuilt over the winter to factory specs. It came with a bravo one 26 left hand prop( bbladed already). Boat runs great, max speed is 68 at 5400 rpms on gps with two people and 1/2 tank of fuel. Is that about all I can expect from a stock 500efi? Was hoping to see at least 70. Thanks for any info. Chris

Yes, that's probably about it for that boat and vintage. There was a hull change in 2004 which improved speeds slightly. But the hull you have has a bit of rocker to it. Remember, you have 28' full feet of boat in the water, not like some other boats with a swim platform counted in their length. Your boat is a big as some other manufacturers' 29 and 30 foot boats.

If its a stock 500efi, it should be hitting the rev limiter at 5350 rpms.

72.9 was the best I ever saw on my 05 w/525EFI. A buddy with 500EFI/Imco drive was at 67, so I think you're close to your max speed.

23% slip? I think you would be better with a stock Bravo. Something makes no sense.

I believe slip is way too high. Does yours have a notch transom. What is your X dimension? My savage is a 99 with a 10 x 12 inch notch. I'm running a 540 dynoed by Saris. It made 670 hp dressed with my exhaust and a Bravo XR. I've tried all different drive heights and props. I'm actually testing the 4 speed from BBlades. The boat really likes it. I tried a left 24 pitch but it was too small. 6k rpm's 68 mph. I also ran a left P5x Hydromotive 23 pitch. 75mph @ 5600 rpms. Standard drive height, full tank and 3 people including me. I'm going to try a one inch spacer and the 26 BBlades. I have some other props that you can try.

Chris-

Get rid of that other person and run that tank down to 10 gals. That should get you close