I've had a chance to open my 33 up more now that I've got some time on her. 77 MPH on the speedo and a solid 75 if I tab the porpoising (?) down. I will bring along the lie detector (GPS) this weekend and see what I am actually doing. How far off are the liquid filled speedo's?

496 HO's with 26" Bravo I's turning a solid 4900-4950 RPM. Tabs at 6.5-7.0

Sounds like it is running about where it is suppose to. How do you look on RPM's, is it propped right?

Keep us posted.

Liquid-filled speedos can be off by nothing or by 5 or more mph. There's just no telling without verification. Secondly, they are calibratable; tough telling where they may fall.

Doing the math on your props, and rpms, I would say you're doing about 71-72.

I agree on my actual speed. 4950 w/ 10% slip puts me right in the 73 MPH range. This was with 2 (200-220lb) adults and approx 1/3 tank of gas. I think it's propped about right. I wouldn't mind trying a set of labbed 26's for the extra little RPM/speed that might be there.

Getting a hold of labbed props would certainly net you a good 3 mph.

Also, despite maybe having a tougher time planing and losing some mid-range cruise performance, a set of 3-blades would help increase top end. Labbed 27 Mirage Plus's would probably be the ticket.

A 33 with HOs can turn 28 labs= 75 on GPS Bouncing around 79 on the Speedo

I think your guess of 72 actual is right on the money. With h.o.'s I know 28's would be too much prop.Labbing your 26's will get you about 300 rpm which might put you against the rev limiter. A friend has the same set up with labbed 26's and runs around 74. Good luck with your testing and keep us informed.You will run faster with less trim and no tabs as opposed to higher trim levels( leads to porpoising). Set your trim as far as possible w/o porpoisingand keep you tabs up for max speed.

I've seen 75.2 on GPS one time, 73 many times. I don't know if I just had a big tale wind or what.

The 75 was with 2 people and NO GAS, I have 29s and at 5200 rpms.

unless I read the thing up side down and it was a 26, but I know it was 29..... I think it was

Depending on the year boat the x dimension was raised in late 2001 models. The lower x dim boats can get on plane with 3 blades and will definitely run faster with them than they can w/ bravo's. the higher x dim boats have to run bravo's to plane out but are 2 to 3mph faster because of the higher x.

Have an 01 33 with 496ho's with stock 26''s the boat runs 72 flat at 4750. sent the props to merc and Dennis there said he would make them run at 5000 even. got the props back and tested them and they were great! they ran at 5000 and my speed is right at 74 to 75 depending on the day, with a best speed of 76.