First Ride in a 24' Superboat
 

Well it's been a long time coming... I went for my first ride.
The boat performed flawlessly. A big thumbs up for my Volvo Penta powered Superboat.
She is even a little faster than I had expected.
We had 3 guys, 3/4 tank of gas, full cooler of beer, and dead calm seas on the CT river.
We saw 68mph at 4400+rpm heading up river and 69mph at 4450rpm down river with a 25pitch Mirage plus propeller.
I guess if I want to see 70, I have to through someone over or install the Stainless Marine exhaust system I acquired last week.
Next ride I will try my 26pitch Bravo I prop. I would expect a 1 or 2mph drop, but better overall performance.
Anybody else get theirs in?
The warm weather is hear, Happy boating to ALL!!!

Hey Patrick,

I'm glad you enjoyed your first ride. I went out for a very brief ride today. The sun was shining when I left my house and by the time I got the boat in the water it started raining. The rain drops felt like needles at 70+. How many RPMS are you wanting to turn with that engine? Are those GPS speeds? With 3 guys, full gas and beer I'm at about 70 gps.

Dave M.

Glad to hear it ran good for you Pat!! Do you still need a set of heads?

Talk to you later,

Hi Dave,
No, The speed were not gps. My batteries were dead. Don't burst my bubble. Next run I'll compare.
The 7.4MPI tops out at 4600rpm stock, I think the rev. limit is set for 4650rpm. If I get close to 4600rpm with the high performance exhaust and a light load, I have a back up plan.
I purchased from a racer in Fla. a nearly complete Merc. 7.4MPI system including a reprogrammed brain. The brain was re-calibrated by Arizona Speed and Marine. The rev. limit has been changed to 4950rpm and the fuel injector mapping adjusted slightly as well. I spoke to them about the changes and they told me it would work on my stock or a slightly modified engine. Just plug it in.

Congratulations,good luck,sounds like a good ride,i wish i was that far on my boat,here we are,another rainy day,but im close,im planning to do the NYC poker run,its a good one,then Superfest :D :D :D Tripps

Congrats Pat sounds like a good start.The 26 bravo is the only way to go, The mid range will be incredable and handle rough water better.My 24 baja was uncontrolable with a mirage,Just think lab bravo.The Zuperboat is still covered, I promissed my wife I would finish the deck first. Hey Tripps did your gauges come in yet. Also im still looking for a set of flags for the bow of the boat anyone have any ideas

Hey Zuperboat,
The guy that did my flags will sell them for $33 if they are the same as mine. They are 12" tall. He used a new process of spaying color on to white vinyl. They are not quite as sharp as colored vinyl, but I think they look OK. I can e-mail you a close up if you like.

Hey pat that would be great. A buddie of mine said the vinyl is white and the computer puts the color on it so I could get it waving with shadows,Like 3D. But this is the same buddie that was to have my grafix done by May first EMAIL [email protected]

Well I would saw that my second ride was even better than the first. The temp hit 70 and my boat 68. Tried to confirm the speed but my GPS didn't find enough satellites until I was back at the dock. Hope to try again tomorrow.
Ran a 26 Bravo I today and I would say the overall performance is far better than my 25 Mirage plus. 68mph on the speedo and 4400rpm on the tach. I only lost 1mph and 50rpm with the four blade. Hopefully my Stainless Marine exhaust will get me to 4600rpm, if not, I guess I will have to lab the prop.

PAT SEND THAT PROP TO MERCURY FOR A LAB FINISH FOR $350 AND GET 300 MORE RPM THEN 70 WILL BE NO PROBLEM. THE MOTOR WILL ALSO RUN BETTER AT 4700 .I THINK AT 4400 THE MOTOR IS LUGGING TO MUTCH. CAN I GET THE PHONE NUMBER FOR THE FLAG GUY AND I WILL CHARGE THEM.

Sure ZZ,

Computer Signs, Old Saybrook, CT (860) 388-9773
Mention my boat, and they will remember.
Speak to Arthur or Andrew Vercillo
Arthur quoted me $33 per set, if he tells you differently.

I think you are right about the engine loading, I do want to see at least 4600 with a light load. I checked with Volvo and the rev limit it set for 4800, but they told me after 4600 there is a power drop. Hopefully the better exhaust will give me more RPM. If not a labbed prop it will be.

Happy Boating

Hey Patrick,

Looks like you had the same prop results as me. I was wondering if there would be a difference in the step and non-step models.

Dave

Hi Dave,

I'm thinking I should sell the other two props I have and buy a lab finished 26 Bravo I. Four blade is the way to go.

Ran into JMK406 yesterday. Is boat is running strong, 73mph GPS with no gas and just him in the boat. We are going to try to take a picture of our boats together tonight. You and Gassticks may want to do the same.

67.2 on the GPS
I guess my Merc. speedo lies. While the speedo was bouncing between 68 and 69, we saw 66.4mph go north and 67.2 heading south tonight on the CT River.
Made the the 10 mile trip south to the Long Island Sound. After filling up with fuel, we blasted over to Plum Gut and back. Speedo read 68 the GPS 66.5. This is the fastest boat I've ever owned. She ran great in a 1 ft chop with the slightest bit of trim tab.
I should have bought one of these 6 years ago after I sold my Donzi.

Hey Pat,
Actually your speedo is pretty accurate, I have seen as much as 10 to 12 mph diff between speedo and gps, I also think that volvo penta makes a great package and you will have a very dependable set up , the Bravo 1 4 blade is the only way to go and Zup is right gettin it labbed will get you 2 mph but it will make the prop a lil less durable, hitting a sand bar usually is harmless to a stainless prop, but I have broken labbed props with low speed sand bar hits.Hav fun be safe and see ya at superfest

jim

My speedo's (Gaffrig) accuracy depends on the condition of the pick up. When it is brand new the speedo reads +5. Then I end up bending it somehow :confused: and it will read right on. Then it gets bent even more and then it reads low. I need to break down and get a GPS speedo.

Dave M.

Hi Jcap,
Don't want to wish the Summer away, but I can't wait to run around South Bay with a bunch of other Superboats.
I spoke to the local guys, Hale Propeller about a labbed prop.
Long story short, they recommend against it unless I'm going to race my boat. Well I do, sort of... Anyway $300 spent on either my 25 Mirage or 26 Bravo should give me around 200 more RPM.
I think I'll wait until the logs clear out from the river.

Hey Dave,

My pick up is in the out drive. I've had to drill the wood out of it from hitting sticks in the water but it seems to work well. You should have the same drive, 1997-1998?? Check it out.

Hey Patrick,

Mines engine and drive are a 1997 but I have a transom mounted speedo pickup. I don't know if the drive pickups will work with a Gaffrig speedo or not. Check out this picture. You can see how my pickup is bent. I don't know if I am hitting debris in the water or maybe when I put the boat on the trailer?

Hey Dave,

Your picture is making me want my swim platform mounted. I need to get two other guys to hold the thing while I mark it. Maybe this coming weekend.

I put a new Gaffrig speedo in my Pantera last year. Used the built in pickup, and it worked fine. 62 on the speedo was 62 GPS. I still have the transom pickup sitting the box. Give it a try...

Pat was that you on Sunday??? You were headed up river and I was going down, we were in a no wake zone.....
I was in the yellow and black Sonic......nice boat
Later
Joe
PS I know what you mean about the logs, I swear I saw a partially submerged telephone pole, near the narrow part of the channel just south of Portland !

Yes, That was me...
Your boat is looking great as well. Where are you keeping her?
We'll see you out there soon I'm sure.

Thanks,
I'm trying out midway for this season, it's just too convienient 3 mi. door to dock. I'm still working some of the bugs out (aren't we all) of the EFIs and breaking in a new motor, so I haven't done any top speed runs yet. I've seen 60 on GPS so far, but the engines are so much more responsive than last season, I'm dieing to whack it!
I'm sure we'll see you after the rains of this upcoming weekend!
Do you ever go out during the week?
Joe

Joe, Midway is a nice spot.
We hit the Blue Oar at least once a week. So we are sure to get together.
Mondays and Tuesday are my free week nights. Wed-Fri my wife works late so I have our 5 month old son. A couple of years and he I will be out every day it's not raining.
See You Soon, Patrick

Great,
Hope to see you soon. My daughter is 3, I had her helping me wash and wax on Monday night!
Well I've got to go make some smilies!!!!
Maybe the weather will clear for Monday
See Ya
Joe

HEY PAT I THINK I HEARD YOU SAY SOMETHING ABOUT CHANGING YOUR EXHAUST. WHEN I HAD MY PANTERA I HAD IRON MERC STUFF AND I CHANGED TO EMI,S AND I PICKED UP 150 RPM ON MY 420,S BUT WET EXHAUST DID NOT WORK FOR ME THE CAMS WHERE TO BIG.SO I HAVE A SET OF RISER AND 4 INCH HOSE WITH ONLY 2 HRS ON THE AND I BELIEVE THE MANIFOLDS ARE VERY REASONABLE.IF YOU WANT THEM ILL TRADE YOU FOR A SET OF FLAGS. MY 420,S MADE ABOUT 500HP SO I CHANGED THE RISERS.

Hey Zuperboat,
Sounds like you collect stuff in your basement too.
Thanks, but I already purchased a set of stainless marine aluminum manifold with stainless risers. I just need to make the time to install them. Maybe in between the rain drops this weekend.
If you would like me to oder a set of flags for you, just give the word. Computer Signs is on my way home from work and two doors down from Ocean Performance, our local go fast boat store. I can always use an excuse to stop there.

PAT THOSE ARE GREAT MANIFOLDS. I KNOW LOTS OF PEOPLE WITH BLOWER MOTORS WHO USE THOSE.I THINK THEY WILL LAST ALOT LONGER THAN MY CMI,S. HAVENT CHECKED MY EMAIL YET BUT IF YOU SEND ME YOUR ADDRESS I WILL SEND YOU A CHECK. P/S CHECK OUT THE NEW POST FACT OR FICTION THANKS AGAIN MIKE

FIRST RIDE IN THE ZUPERBOAT .YES IT STILL FLOATS NOW IF I CAN WORK MY CAMERA I CAN PUT ON SOME PICKS.

It great to hear the Zuperboat is back in action. We need to see some pictures on Dave thread. Only one thirty footer shown.

Took yesterday off to work around the house and work on the boat. Thought I could recruit a partner for a ride in the afternoon, no luck though. Probably a good thing; with all the rain, lots of logs are a floating.

PAT LIOPA IS HAVING A RUN ON SATURDAY[TO MEMBERS ONLY] BUT THEY TOLD ME I COULD BRING A FRIEND WITH ANOTHER BOAT IF I WANT. I THINK IM THE ONLY SUPERBOAT. SURE COULD USE SOME BACK UP.I KNOW JCAP IS GOING TO JERSEY AND TRIPPS WILL NOT BE READY.I WILL CHECK THE BOARD TONIGHT.

Sorry Zuperboat, I can not make it. My wife is working Saturday so I will have our son.
If the weather is good next weekend, I'm making a run to Block Island Saturday morning returning Sunday morning.
To sneak away two weekends in a row would be pushing it.
Thanks for the offer though!
I plan to pick up your flags today. I'll send out as soon as they are ready.

PAT WHAT PROP DUE U RUN NOW . I HAVE A NICE 25 MIRAGE AT GAVE MY BAJA 5 MPH OVER OTHER 25,S AND I MIGHT BE GETTING RID OF MY NEW 26 BRAVO. JUST GOT IT BACK FROM MERCURY FOR A LAB FINISH I PICKED UP 200 RPM BUT LOST 5 MPH ON THE TOP END. IT NO LONGER PICKS THE NOSE UP SO IM SENDING IT BACK OR GOING TO GET RID OF IT . MY X DIMENSION IS TO HIGH I NEED MORE CUP.

Hi Superboat,
That sucks, You are the third person I have heard that spent money on a labbed prop and had a performance drop. Trade that baby back for a stock prop if you can.
I am running a 26p Bravo I. I have a 25 Mirage plus; my boat runs 1-2mph faster than with the Bravo, but I like the over-all performance of the Bravo I better. I'm topping out at 4400rpm and I would like to see 4600. Before I change props I need to install my Stainless Marine exhaust, it may give me another 100 or so.
If you can't get your money back or a stock prop, e-mail or PM me with the $$ you need to get for the labbed prop. I'll ask around or consider it for myself. I am hesitant to use a labbed prop though, we have a lot of **** floating around still.
I sent your flags out Friday UPS, you should get them Monday or Tuesday, if you don't I have a tracking #. I got your check Saturday, Thanks.

It seems crazy. I had my prop labbed this winter and also have lost 3-4 mph

Hey Superboat, Are you spinning a lefty?
My friend Gregg's Fountain spins a lefty.
He's running a 24p Bravo I at 5000-5100rpm, can't run a stock 26p, holds the engine down to 4500-4600.
It seems Superboats need bow lift, OH-Zone is number 4.
I think a labbed prop may work on a Fountain with the big step and wide beam.
Let me know ZZ, I can ask Gregg if he wants to trade his stock 26p.

I GOT THE FLAGS TODAY LOOK GREAT THANK YOU AGAIN.I SENT THE PROP BACK TO MERCURY AND THEY KNOW HOW TO FIX IT HA.HA. ILL HAVE IT BACK FOR THE NY POKER RUN BUT ONLY IF IT WORKS.OTHERWISE ITS UP FOR GRABS.I THINK THE X IS TO HIGH FOR A LAB PROP.

Zuperboat, Slap those flags on and post a picture or two on Dave's thread...
Jcap posted his Y2K, We need to see that one of a kind Zuperboat...

THE PICKS IN THE CAMERA I JUST HAVE TO GET IT IN THE COMPUTER. MY LAST CAMERA WAS NO GOOD.IF I CANT DO IT ILL HAVE TRIPPS POST IT FOR ME IF IT LOOKS OK.

Went for a ride last night with JMK. We had our two 24' Superboats wide open across LI sound in 2-3 footers. OOOOh what fun!!! We chased down a tanker and launched of it's 6' wake. JMK has learned how to run JC's old demo pretty good. I'm still learning to run my tabs properly. My Superboat seems to run higher in the water than my Pantera did. Probably because it's lighter. Same great rough water ride. I hope to hear some stories from the NY City Poker run this coming weekend.

Hay Superboaters! I'll be vacationing out in the Hamptons and trailering my boat to Noyac the 14th-22nd. I,ll be all around the east end and hope to see some fellow owners!